SR. AMELITA A. TANSECO, FMM
How does God figure in all the events in our life, big or small, good or bad? I believe that whatever happens, God wills or allows this to bring us closer to Him. We cannot question God. Who are we to demand accountability from Him? Many say that they ask God “WHY?” to understand their experience. Perhaps the question to ask, then, is WHAT or HOW. What am I supposed to do? How am I to manage this? What is your will here, Lord? How shall I follow it?
It was 2:30 a.m. when I went to the restroom with my cane (I am in my 80’s). I went off balance, fell on my left side, and hit my head on the floor. As a result, I had to undergo a surgical titanium implant in my hip. Now I am still partly bedridden. The Lord must have allowed this accident to give me more time for silence and prayer, a time to surrender myself completely to him, as well as to make reparation for my sins, to offer the pain and discomfort for peace in our country and the whole world and for the intentions of all those who recommended themselves to my prayers and for those for whom there is nobody to pray.
Good or bad. I think of Maria Goretti, virgin and martyr, who died at age 11, defending her virtue for God. She forgave her would-be rapist before her death. This man was jailed, repented, and asked forgiveness from Maria Goretti’s mother, Assunta. He later became a lay brother of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin. He attended Maria Goretti‘s canonization beside Assunta and lived the rest of his days in peace.
In good or bad, God never abandons us, and his plans are not to question but to trust. Never why always what and how!
*Written with the assistance of Alice E. Gonzaga