I haven't volunteered at our local hospice since my brother and dad died, but last week, I got an email saying that they had a man who just might need a friend to walk with him a while, so I thought that this is just as good a time as any to return.
His name wont be revealed, but we will call him R. I was informed that R was a retired minister, and during our introductions I mentioned that fact. When I did, his chemo slurred thinking caused his brow to furrow, and he slowly formulated his answer: "I AM a minister". Well I certainly stood corrected! :)
I can tell you that R does have a heart for people and God's creation, he was so worried about the birds who came to the feeder outside his window. The local heat made him concerned for them, that they would have plenty of water.
R has been a kind, man telling me things of his life over the last week and a half or so, and has certainly ministered to me. However, last night his illness has entered it's final phase.
So tonight, I pray the Ministration at the Time of Death (last Rites) for R, and if you are so inclined, lift him and his family to the Throne as R leaves this mortality behind and puts on immortality and behold the Face of God.
weakness, and comfort him with the promise of life
everlasting, given in the resurrection of Your Son
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
God the Father,
Have mercy on Your servant.
God the Son,
Have mercy on Your servant.
God the Holy Spirit,
Have mercy on Your servant.
For when I am weak, then I am strong. - 2 Cor 12:10b ... sounds to me like the Lord knows exactly where to use you.
Saw this video over on a friends blog and thought you might enjoy. Something tells me you two might get along even if you don't speak Russian...
http://sergesblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/two-more-religious-ones-serbian-monk.html
Posted by: Fr. John | July 18, 2009 at 07:00 AM