Several years ago (=many) a priest friend had a stroke while celebrating mass. He was immediately rushed to the hospital and it was touch and go for awhile. After a few days the crisis passed and he was on the road to recovery. When I visited him he said he had an experience like Hezekiah. As he was drifting toward death the Lord spoke to him: “I will add fifteen years to your life.” That sounded pretty good to him at the time. However, fifteen years passed and when I reminded him of the prophecy he somewhat abashedly said, “Well, maybe God will give me another fifteen.” God did. And another fifteen after that! He lived to be ninety-six! What that says to me is that we should not bargain with God. Whatever God gives us is a blessing that we should receive with thanksgiving. God’s thoughts are not our thoughts, says the prophet, so the more we can say “thy will be done” the closer we are to living the divine will.
JULY172026
By Church Staff
