I have been visiting a parishioner for the last few days in the hospital.
Yesterday was one of those days where the end is approaching. So later in the evening I dropped in to the hospital. Some of the family were standing by the bed. I chatted with them and prayed for them.
These days are not unlike days from the not too distant past when my wife passed away. You hear the same breathing and gurgling. You sense the effort that is required to stay alive. And you know a passing to another place is imminent.
Although the family was somewhat reluctant to have me pass through those same circumstances again, they were also glad to have me there. And perhaps that is the point of the scripture that tells us we can comfort those with the comfort with which we have been comforted.
And so, my days will be filled with activity in this next little while. A part of that activity will be “paying it forward”. And I thank God for the strength and the comfort that He has given. May God comfort this family in like measure.