The Lord loves each one of you and He has called you here tonight so He can bless you and bestow graces upon you so you may be healed in Him. By coming here tonight, you have responded to God’s call and stepped out in faith. Be open to gifts and graces that the Lord has for you, for the Lord never disappoints!
I am standing here as a witness to God’s healing love. In December 2014, just before Christmas, I was experiencing symptoms that I thought were caused by asthma. I had trouble breathing, wheezing, coughing, and pain in my chest and in my back. After a chest scan, I received the diagnosis that I had Stage 4 lung cancer with tumors in my lungs, lymph nodes, liver, and possibly my bones.
The first thing I did when I received this news was I came straight to this church, looked up at the crucifix, and prayed to Jesus. I told Him that I did not want this, but if this is the plan He had for me, that I too would pick up my cross and walk with Him. I remember that at that moment I felt like I was truly living through all five of the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary at once, but by looking up at Jesus on that cross, I knew if Jesus could get through this, so could I. I told Jesus that day that I would walk this path with Him if this is His plan, and I would do my best with whatever time I had to bring as many people to Him as possible. But if He has a plan for me that I was to be healed, I would be His servant and go out into the world and tell everyone and give God glory. I planned to live by two mottos that day. One, I will find joy in my new journey and two, with God, all things are possible.
After I had my talk with the Lord, I knew that I needed prayer support as I made my way with this illness. I let people know about my illness and immediately I was put on many prayer chains. Many of you were there for me and prayed for my healing. Thank you for your prayers. I know that these prayers were heard by God. In response, God showered many blessings and graces upon me and gave me the strength and courage to face each day. Many people went out of their way to show me kindness and love. Thank you again for your love and support.
In January, I attended the Healing Mass at St. Ignatius. Sr. Chris called me up to the front and everyone prayed over me. At that moment, I was truly humbled. I could feel the love of Christ through the love of His people. I remember one of the prayers that Sr. Chris spoke that night was she asked the intercession of Brother Joe Spehar for complete and total healing. This was such a special prayer, for I knew that Brother Joe, our heavenly leader, was there with us praying for healing too.
The next day, my symptoms that I had for the past few months had all gone away. I had no more coughing and wheezing. I could breathe freely. I did not have any pains in my back or in my chest. God had healed me of all my symptoms! Praise God!
A few weeks following the prayer service, I received a call from Sr. Chris who had an amazing gift to give my husband Scott and I. Sr. Chris explained that a Lighthouse member who would like to remain anonymous wanted to give us a trip to Lourdes so I would be healed. As you might expect, Scott and I were speechless and overwhelmed with emotion with the thought of someone doing this for us. We would have never been able to do this on our own, especially with medical costs looming and our twin’s college tuition’s on the horizons. This was such a loving and generous gift for one to give. We knew that this special person was led by the Holy Spirit and God had a plan for us to go. I know that one of you is that special person and we are so grateful for the sacrifice, pure love, and faith you have in God to give of yourself so freely to another person!
During Holy Week Scott and I were able to pilgrimage to Lourdes. It was an incredible experience! God touched me so deeply with Mary at His side interceding at every turn. While I was there, I prayed for the intentions of many others who I promised to pray for healing. I was able to bathe and drink the healing waters of Lourdes. I was able to stand in the place where Mary, our blessed Mother, once stood. I was able to pilgrimage to a place where millions travel to each year to seek the healing love of God.
When we returned from Lourdes, I received a CT scan to see how the cancer was responding to the chemo. My oncologist shared that he had very good news. The scan showed that there were no tumors in my lungs. The scan also showed there were no tumors in my lymph nodes. There was no sign of cancer in my bones. And the tumors in my liver had been reduced to only small dots. God has healed me! Thank you, God, you are so awesome!
I believe that God listens and answers prayer. I believe that Jesus can heal. I believe that I was physically healed at the Healing Service in January, and spiritually and emotionally healed in the healing waters of Lourdes. But most of all, I was healed because so many people were praying for me and putting their trust in God.
Jesus wants you to come to Him for His healing love, and he always answers prayers. Mary wants to intercede for us and bring us to her son Jesus. Tonight, be open to God’s grace and allow him to work in you. Jesus loves you and wants you to receive his love.
Thank you for all your prayers and for listening to me this evening. May God’s blessing and peace be with you all!
