FACING MORTALITY WITH GRACE

Arturo Olivas- Queen of Angels

My artist friend Arturo Francisco Olivas (Blog 7/26/12)) just got a reprieve from a "death sentence" 16 months ago from stage 4 lung cancer. This week his oncologist told him that MRI’s indicate there are no new metastases, and his tumors are shrinking. The doctor wants to see Arturo less frequently and said his current treatment has been so effective that his cancer could remain in abeyance for another 2-3 years. He hopes that by that time there will be new advances in cancer treatment that Arturo will be eligible for.

"Arturo has a good life, and he really enjoys his life. This comes not from the pursuit of pleasures and self-gratification, but through having a sense of purpose and from being of service to others. He continues... with a joy of living, sense of purposefulness, and continued compassion towards the misfortunes of others. Last Sunday, he took a dozen knit caps downtown to distribute among the homeless."
(Br. Christopher)

A. Olivas- Trinity

Now we pray for one our Oblates, Dave, who also in undergoing treatment for stage 3 inoperable lung cancer. Dave and his wife, Carole,  were among the local pilgrims who traveled to Rome for the canonization of St. Kateri in October.  That trip was very grace-filled for both and has been a source of strength in this new journey.

"We had a great conversation about our prayers, and the way we feel about faith.  Both of us independently had come to the point of accepting God's will, trusting Him, and not railing against reality.  We received an encouraging note from our good friend, Mother Dilecta of Our Lady of the Rock, that contained that very same message:   There is great comfort in--"Be it done unto me according to thy will." During Advent we read from a book by Richard John Neuhaus every evening, and the reading focused on the same thing in a beautiful way.  The combination of those three messages was very powerful, and comforting, to us. We are not giving up; we are just accepting and moving forward with hope and love." (Carole)

Dave (middle) & Carole (right) with Oblates & OLR Community

"Thanks so much to everybody for all the prayers and good wishes and phone calls and love.  It is really helping me.  I think it's important that you know where I'm coming from.  I don't want to make too fine a point of this, but for over 20 years I've been working to develop my spiritual life to be able to accept the Lord's will in matters like this.  I don't think I've reached the pinnacle, but I know I'm a heck of a lot better about that than I was 20 years ago.  Accepting the Lord's will does not mean giving up, and rest assured my docs and I are working and planning and implementing the most creative and aggressive regimen for what I have.  As the old joke goes, as I stand on the roof in the flood, I am prepared to take the boat or the helicopter that the Lord sends, and I do hope he sends one, but when it's all said and done, I know the Lord has what's best for me in his plans."

While Arturo ministers to his 3rd Order Franciscan Community, cares for the poor, and provides us with more of his amazing art, and Dave and Carole are active in their parish as well as Oblates to us, we can only be inspired by their faith and hope and love.