Be Their Light of Hope: Fr. John Murray, C.Ss.R.

Twelve years ago on a beautiful sunny day when I was in ministry at San Alfonso Retreat House in Long Branch, New Jersey, I decided to go for a walk and was on the boardwalk when I tripped and fell. My life changed forever that day.  Now, I am paralyzed from the chest down.
 

The story of my recovery began at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, a clinic in the New York City area.  I remember the doctors telling me that they were concerned about any recovery.  The doctors and physical therapists taught me to cope with my paralysis and I began to learn new skills. Simple everyday tasks became major accomplishments as I relearned how to brush my teeth, comb my hair, and put on a shirt.
 

You’d call me a paraplegic today.  I continue to have to place great effort to do things that you might take for granted.  It’s difficult for me to type, I cannot sit straight for long periods of time, travel is near impossible due to my limitations . . . all has been taken from me!
 

The greatest blessing in all of this has become my understanding of love.  My large and strong family has accompanied me.  My Redemptorist family, that emphasizes strong family ties, has journeyed with me.  The teachings of the founder of the Redemptorists, Saint Alphonsus, have guided me.  You and many people like you, continue to support me and pray for me for my ongoing healthcare needs. Your donation has provided for me the specialized medical equipment that improved the quality of my life . . . you are my source of HOPE!  Thank you.
 

I have had an amazing number of years in ministry with the Redemptorists of the Baltimore Province.  I have served in a wide variety of areas, that includes but is not limited to the formation and education of seminarians, working with the poorest of the poor in the inner cities, and my years at Saint Mary’s Catholic Community in Annapolis.  I have worked with the people of God preaching Parish Missions and serving in the capacity of Mission Coordinator, and I have been the retreat director at San Alfonso Retreat House in Long Branch, New Jersey.
 

Now is the time to turn the page to a much quieter form of ministry; preaching, not by what I say or do, but by patiently carrying my cross . . . being a paraplegic. God’s Will often comes in the form of the CROSS.  I embrace the Cross rather than resist the Cross or complain about the Cross. Even more, I have come to thank God for my cross. I have come to fully understand Psalm 119:71 “It was good for me to be afflicted, in order to learn your statutes.”  My suffering is my gift to God. In this life, no matter how long it lasts, it’s a momentary affliction preparing me for eternal glory.
 

We shouldn’t pray for an easy life, but for the strength to endure a difficult one. I look to God and cooperate with His grace. Now is the time to relearn an old lesson, that good works depend not on our efforts, but on the Holy Spirit. God always takes the initiative. God has loved us first and He alone knows the reason that He created us. Each morning, I  relearn the true meaning of the Cross and I know how much I am loved, for He sent His Son, and His sacrifice and suffering redeemed the world for you and me.
 

We all experience tines when we feel weak, whether physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually.  The unexpected happens and we feel at a loss for what to do.  It’s in these times of need that pausing to pray can provide powerful relief. God is waiting for us to call out to Him and ask Him for strength.
 

God tells us to come to Him when we are burdened, we must come to God with humility and honest faith to request physical and spiritual strength.  Only then can we begin to experience the power of prayer.
 

All the Redemptorist Missionaries who reside with me here at Saint John Neuman Residence at Stella Maris in Timonium, MD, as well as the men at the St. Alphonsus Villa in New Smyrna Beach, FL, and St. Clement Mission House in Ephrata, PA, join forces each day as “Prayer Champions” offering Masses and Prayers for you and those you love.  We are now called in a special way to live out our call as Redemptorist Missionaries . . .  praying, teaching, and loving you. Thank you for allowing us into your heart.
 

I ask for your continued prayers and assure you of mine.  Please send your prayer petitions to me. I will pray that God’s mercy and love bring you comfort, caring, and curing through the healing of body, mind, and soul.  May God Bless you all the days of your life.  Thank you for your care.
 

In the Redeemer,

Father John Murray, C.Ss.R.

Your own personal Prayer Champion!

If you are interested in giving to the HOPE Fund today, please visit our giving page here.