By Chi-Chi Fajardo-Robles
Anchor, Radio Veritas
So much has happened since I wrote “Sleepless on Good Friday” in 2020, a short reflection on the coronavirus and the Crucified Christ. It unexpectedly found its way to the Easter Vigil Mass homily of Caloocan Bishop Ambo David and a publication of the University of Asia and the Pacific last year.
As if this new and more insidious surge of COVID-19 was not life-threatening enough, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Again, after my first bout in 2013. Again, during the season of Lent.
After a momentary shock, I repeated my prayer eight years ago inside a hospital chapel as I held the envelope bearing the mammogram result. I cried, “Lord, I accept whatever the result is because I put my full trust in you. I ask only that you stay with me and take care of my family throughout.”
Then and now, He was true to His promise as I was true to mine. I embraced the illness and employed every means to recover. I received so much grace in the form of prayers for my healing, of new friendships forged with fellow cancer patients, and of ever stronger family ties.
But nothing beats the unique yet mysterious privilege of sharing the passion of our Savior Jesus Christ through my own suffering…not just once but twice. I feel a real sense of gratefulness that He who knows and loves me most has allowed this affliction for a special purpose.
This gives me courage to face the anguish, pain, and uncertainty this dreaded disease brings. It drives me to share my life’s journey with others who need to know that Christ-centered faith and a true friendship with God backed up by a solid prayer life are the real game-changers of our times, of all time.
I will not be cowed by COVID-19 nor by cancer and all their frightening prospects. I choose joy and hope. I choose Christ. #
The author served as Managing Director of UA&P’s Corporate Communications Office (2010-2016) and of the Public and International Affairs Office (2014-2016).
Banner photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash.
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