Thursday 16th November 2023

“The coming of the Kingdom of God cannot be observed,
and no one will announce, ‘Look, here it is,’ or, ‘There it is.’
For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you.”

I have to apologize to the main editors and the readers for missing 2 weeks in a row. Very unlike me ! But I have been pre occupied with work and it seems impossible to make time to sit and reflect !

I spent sunday on call with losing a dear patient and it sent me into a spiral of emotions. I am just coming out of the situation and processing the information when work started piling up and the cycle went on and on , while my prayer life is gone to minimal to non existent and I have had no time for anything other than a shower and a nap – I have drifted away.

As the Gospel mentions, no one will know the Kingdom of God is here – we have to constantly be striving to be better people and faithful christians. While I struggle to find a balance between work and my faith, I need to focus on taking small steps to know I am acceptin the Kingdom of the Lord.

Today we live so carefree, one day at a time ,however our ultimate goal is to make the best of everything. But let us take time to refocus onto our relationship with the Lord!

AMEN

P.s thank your for the birthday wishes. I am blessed!

About the Author

Hello! I’m Dr Analise Maria D’ Mello, (MBBS, MS obgyn, DNB) from the beautiful state of Goa in India. I was born and raised in a Roman Catholic family, learning my prayers, catechism and Catholic values from my parents and grandmothers. I am currently practicing as an obstetrician and gynecologist for 3 years since my residency. I often speak on anti-abortion to college students and married couples, and counsel distressed pregnant women with appropriate medical advice. I am part of the St Luke's Medical Guild of Catholic Doctors in my state providing services in prisons, and Lenten and advent retreats for medical professionals and their families.

Author Archive Page

15 Comments

  1. Annalise, I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your patient. I appreciate your reflection and am very grateful to have you back.

  3. Dear Analise. I missed you, but understand. If you miss a week or 2, that’s okay. I appreciate you and hope you never give up. You are doing important work and your work is your prayer. No need for words.

  4. Thank you Dr. Analise. I’m sorry for the loss of your patient. As you had said, there are many more patients waiting. Its ok if you do the reflection. Caring for the kick is prayer and corporeal works of mercy.

  5. Dr Analyse,
    I too am sorry for the loss of your patient. I’m sure your faith in Jesus helped her (or him) through the doing process. I certainly get ” not having time”. As I was reading this I was reminded of Mother Teresa and her devotion to the Holy Eucharist.

    “To be able to live this life of vows, these four vows, we need our life to be woven with the Eucharist. That’s why we begin our day with Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. With him, we go forward. And when we come back in the evening we have one hour of adoration before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, and at this you will be surprised, that we have not had to cut down our work for the poor.”

    I can’t imagine how busy you are but I humbly encourage you to continue to find your time with Jesus (I need this encouragement also). After all He is the Divine Physician and there would be no better doctor to consult.
    Keep up your good work, your faith, and your commitments to the Lord and your patients. YOU are changing the world!

  7. Analise, I’m sorry for your loss and sorry for the “struggle” you are in regarding the balance in your life, we all suffer from that. You were missed, your willingness to show your vulnerablity is much appreciated and shows the sign of your faith. A family member once told me, “dont let perfection get in the way of progress”. Any time with the Lord, whether 15 seconds or 15 minutes, is perfect!
    God Bless,
    Joe

  8. I so admire you for your humanness and honesty! All of your readers appreciate you! At this time in your life, don’t feel guilty. Let your work be your prayer!!!

  9. I’m very glad to know you are okay. I appreciate your honesty and your persistence in writing your reflections. I recently retired and while working often was overwhelmed and ‘in over my headI’. Keep up the good work, take care, and forgive yourself…
    I will say a prayer for your patient.

  10. I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for giving your time to these reflections when you have so much on your plate already. We are so fortunate to have such wonderful writers here at ACM. God bless in your work. Prayers for you and your patient.

  11. So sorry for your loss Analise and glad that you’re back. I was worried that you decided you couldn’t do reflections anymore. Time is of the essence and yours is valuable to many. Thank you for sharing yours with your readers, I for one am very grateful! God bless you and keep you strong!

  12. I’m so deeply sorry for the loss of your dearest friend. She will be included in my prayers. And, YES, your work IS your prayer. You are the Hands and Feet of Jesus ! Try not to worry about missing a reflection. I knew you must have had a hard schedule. In thanksgiving for your thoughts and honesty. Even when working, the great prayer of “Jesus I Trust In You” is remarkably peaceful !

  13. I was glad to see that you had written a reflection for today Analise.When you miss a week or two,I wonder how you’re doing and I’ll offer a little prayer for you and your patients.
    If you don’t have time in your hectic schedule for formal prayer, I humbly suggest having a dialogue with God as you go about your day.Almost like having a chat with a friend.He will hear you and will give you the strength you need.You are doing great work.Let the Lord accompany you each day.🙏🏻

  14. Perhaps you are taking on too much. It’s ok to give up the Thursday reflection to someone else and come back when life is more settled. Balance is important.

  15. You are not alone!! I fell behind in my daily readings Thursday but caught up today Saturday. Thanks for really caring about your patient!!!! Glad you came back as I always look forward to your comments and insight!! God Bless you!!

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