Waiting in Silence

"Waiting in silence, waiting in hope."

Those words, from Sunday's entrance hymn, ushered our parish into Advent. Yet it was the words spoken before mass that ushered many into another waiting period. Our deacon informed we parishioners at the weekend masses that our pastor was being treated for fourth stage cancer. "Father Bob has cancer in his bones, liver and thyroid." were difficult words to hear and difficult words to later relay to family members and parishioners..

Although most of us knew he had not been feeling well, I would doubt many would have been prepared for the severity of the diagnosis. As I listened to the entrance song, I realized that we would be waiting in silence, as well as waiting in hope. Yes, I want to know how he is, how his treatments are going and how to help. Realistically, I will be viewing his illness from afar, waiting for those closest to him to let us know how the treatments are going, and helping by going about my assigned duties. I would like him to know that with my silence will be prayers of hope for his pain to be lessened and his treatments to be successful.

Maranatha