Monthly Archives: March 2011

We invite you to join us tomorrow, March 23, 2011 at 7:00pm:

Faith & Racism in Chicago: The Fight for Social Justice
Robert McClory and Fr. Michael Pfleger Discuss Radical Disciple

Well-known Catholic author Robert McClory will be at Loyola on March 23 to talk about his most recent book on Fr. Michael Pfleger, Radical Disciple. Fr. Pfleger will also be on hand to discuss the book and his ministry at St. Sabina Catholic Church on Chicago’s south side. Fr. Pfleger is a renowned speaker and has been recognized for his commitment to equality and passionate stance against injustice. Learn More

Presentation & Book Signing Sponsored by:

MA in Social Justice & Community Development
SCUPE & The Institute of Pastoral Studies

Please join us on March 23, 2011 | 7:00 pm

Loyola University Chicago
Corboy Law Center | Kasbeer Hall
25 E. Pearson, 15th floor
Chicago, IL 60611

Meg Waldron, IPS M.A. Pastoral Studies Student

Reflection on the Gospel of John 11:  1-45   I am the resurrection and the life.

“So the sisters sent word to Jesus.  Lord, the one you love is sick . . . Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death.  No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”

I imagine my own sisters, Vicky and Chris, running to Jesus and crying out, “Jesus!  Meg, the one you love, is sick.  Do something!  Save her!  Do not take her from us!  Do not let her suffer!”   Jesus comforts them and says, “Do not be afraid.  Meg’s illness will not destroy her.  I am with her always and she believes in Me!  Meg understands this with her whole being.  She is free.  She will always be free.”

I have experienced two serious illnesses:  polymyositis in 1996 and salivary gland cancer in 2009.  Each time God sends me wonderful doctors who treat me and control my illnesses, and my family and friends love and comfort me.  For those of you living with illness, or with any form of suffering, you may experience that suffering impacts your whole being, not only physically, but spiritually, mentally, emotionally, socially, financially, etc.  In my own journey, I know that God comforts me through my pain and sets me free.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.  He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.  Do you believe this?”

Yes, I believe this.  I am still here.  Parts of me have died.  I am not the same on many levels as I was before I was ill, but that is okay.  There is something in me that cannot be destroyed, no matter how many serious diagnoses I receive; no matter how progressive my illnesses become.  My body may fail me again and again, but I am renewed in Christ each day.  I draw closer to and seek God in each moment, regardless of my illnesses.

It is God who dwells in each one of us, and He cannot be destroyed.  When we place our trust and hope in God, we witness His glory and healing power within us and our life experiences. (more…)