By Christina Semmens

“Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” ~ Mark 10:38

Crushed in Infirmity

Being “crushed in infirmity” is probably not something we would willingly sign up to experience. The idea of being overwhelmed by grief, suffering from a physical injury, or feeling hopeless and broken in spirit are all situations that most of us would try to avoid at all costs.

Therefore, the idea that “The Lord was pleased to crush him in infirmity” can be disheartening, especially if you, like myself, might be experiencing one of those times right now.

My situation is that my husband of twenty-eight years has advanced Stage IV lung cancer. It has spread throughout his body and is not curable. Treatments are possible to extend his life, and they seem to be doing that as it has now been ten months since his diagnosis. Still, each day, I find the greatest challenge is to not give in to discouragement as I accompany my husband while he is slowly “crushed in infirmity.”

During these times in our lives, what are we to do?

Confidently Approach the Throne

The letter to the Hebrews shows us the way. We are told that we have a high priest who can sympathize with us because He has been similarly tested in every way. “So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.”

We must do this when we are being “crushed in infirmity.” We must remember that our Lord understands and sympathizes, so we must confidently approach the throne of grace and ask for His assistance in helping us drink the cup that He has placed before us. As we do, we must also strive to never lose hope. Our Lord knows exactly what we need to be baptized with the baptism with which He was baptized—but we must be willing to confidently approach His throne and ask.

Placing Our Trust In the Lord

When experiencing those extremely difficult times in our lives, we must place our trust in the Lord. The Psalm response today, “Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you,” is a wonderful way to approach the throne and implore our Lord’s assistance since “Upright is the word of the Lord, and all his works are trustworthy.”

God’s promises are trustworthy for those who hope in his kindness, and the Psalmist also tells us that the Lord will preserve us, as He is our help and our shield. We must root ourselves in the reality of these promises at all times, particularly when we are experiencing a time of being crushed in infirmity.

No matter what infirmity you might be experiencing right now, confidently approach the throne and place your trust in the Lord. If you do, you will be able to drink the cup from which He drank and be baptized with the baptism with which He was baptized.

Prayer

My God, grant me the graces I need to drink the cup that is before me. Let me confidently approach your throne and place my trust in your promises. May I be given the strength to serve and the courage to give my life each day as a ransom for many in imitation of you.

Call to Action

Practice placing your trust in the Lord by using the refrain from the Divine Mercy Chaplet, “Jesus, I trust in You.” Then, confidently approach the throne and ask God for whatever graces you need to persevere in the midst of whatever infirmity you may be currently experiencing.

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