My Cares Are the
Lord's
"O sing to the
Lord a new song, for he has done marvellous things.
His right hand
and his holy arm have gotten him victory" (Ps 98:1)
For about 35 years I had
been suffering from an infection in both my ears which constantly oozed
pus. Extensive treatment was of no avail. Surgery was inevitable pronounced
the doctors and for that the festering had to stop. In February '96 I went
to Divine Retreat Centre to listen to the word of God. To join the ten
thousand and odd retreatants in praising and thanking God, was a beautiful
experience. "There is no need to come here for healing of sickness or obtaining
any worldly favour. "Seek first for the kingdom of God and his
righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well"'(Mt
6:33)-These words of Fr Panackal touched my heart and I ceased praying
for a cure. I was not at all inclined to pray for myself.
During the healing session,
I witnessed numerous miracles-a child born crippled, walking, those unable
to move their limbs becoming normal and so on. I heard their testimony.
I listened to Father calling out the names of those touched by Jesus. My
ears were still oozing. But these words strengthened me: "Though
the Lord may give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction,
yet your teacher will not hide himself any more, but your eyes shall see
your teacher" (Is 30:20). I kept praying for others.
On the last day Father said
that many had been healed. But those who were not healed, should not despair.
Their illness was given by God as an offering of expiation. I thought my
ear-infection was such a gift from God. All the same I thought God was
asking, "Is my hand shortened, that it cannot redeem? Or have I no
power to deliver?" (Is 50:4).
The morning the retreat
was over, I felt a gust of wind blowing into my ears. My ears were completely
healed! The Lord's great mercy and love! Jesus be praised!
"So that my soul
may praise you and not be silent, O Lord my God, I will give thanks to
you forever"(Ps 30:12).
Elikutty
Zacharia,
Gnarakad,
Kodenchery,
Kozhikode