Joseph Cardinal Bernardin was an American Cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church. He served as Archbishop of Cincinnati from 1972 to 1982, and then Archbishop of Chicago from 1982 until his death in 1996.
He wrote a little book after he was diagnosed with inoperable cancer. The book is entitled, “The Gift of Peace.”
I want to share with you something that he wrote about prayer: “Pray while you’re well, because if you wait until you’re sick, you might not be able to do it.”
He said to friends visiting him in the hospital, “I’m in so much discomfort that I can’t focus on prayer. My faith is still present. There is nothing wrong with my faith, but in terms of prayer, I’m just too preoccupied with the pain. I’m going to remember that I must pray when I am well!” (Page 67-68) Good words. Wise words.
Prayer, talking with God and listening to God, is so vital to our faith. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Pray without ceasing.” (I Thessalonians 5:16) Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be open.” (Matthew 7:7)
So, how are you feeling today? Do you feel well? Perhaps it would be wise to follow the advice of the Cardinal and “Pray while you’re well.”