At the age of 7, Michael contracted polio. It was a severe case. His family invested every resource to assist him in hopes that he might recover some use of his limbs. Those recovery efforts were in vain. Nevertheless, from those early grueling years of therapy, and seeing how much his family believed in him and loved him, Michael took encouragement and strength. Wheelchair bound but determined, he returned to school. He chose to continue his education and earned a degree in law. From his wheelchair, and with the help of full-time caregivers throughout his life, he opened and maintained a law practice, earning his own way in life and helping others.
Remarkably, Michael enjoyed singing and even joined a country music band in his middle years. He loved to perform on stage. He also had a passion for philosophy and spirituality. He became a published author. Nevertheless, very day of his life he had to be helped out of bed, bathed, dressed, fed, and then lifted into bed again each night. He weighed less than 90 pounds, but he wore a smile nearly every single day of his life. He lived always hopeful and joyful until he passed away at the ripe age of 74. He was a living example of courage and unwavering hope to everyone who knew him.
In the Gospel for this First Sunday of Advent the words of Jesus can sound foreboding and dark. They address, however, the truth of our human condition: we all face obstacles in life and we long for the assurance that we can get through the darkest times with our dignity intact. The promise of God’s faithful love and care is like a blanket spread over the terrors and hardships described in this passage. In those darkest moments of our lives, Jesus says, take courage, stand erect, lift your head. Jesus assures us that, buoyed by faith, we can trust that our “redemption is near at hand.”
In those times of your greatest hardships, take courage and hope from the ancient promise of God’s faithfulness, and from the examples of people like Michael. Be joyful, put on a smile, not just for yourself but for the sake of encouraging and strengthening others. Believe and watch patiently for the promised redemption that will surely come.
– Fr. Mark Hoelsken, S.J.
