麻豆约拍

A reflection and prayer to start the day with the Archdeacon of Bangor, Mary Stallard

Good morning. I only recently learnt that it鈥檚 world cancer day today, an annual observance that began in 2000 at a world summit. Perhaps it shouldn鈥檛 be surprising that a cluster of diseases that鈥檝e been so fearsomely successful in their power to destroy life should achieve sufficient notoriety to have a dedicated global day of focus. The statistics about the impact of cancer are shocking, suggesting that one in two of us may expect to develop a form of cancer at some point in our lives.

Cancer struck my own family in the past year when my Dad was suddenly diagnosed with advanced brain cancer that sadly took his life in quite a short period of time.

But even more than the virulence and malignant effects of cancer, what struck me most during Dad鈥檚 illness were some of the hugely positive reactions that cancer can provoke. In our case, even during the pandemic, the care we received was extraordinary. No treatment was possible for Dad, but staff at the hospitals and carers all seemed determined to do everything they could to ensure he was comfortable and to protect his dignity. I discovered whole communities online who were willing to share their own experience, and to be vulnerable about their suffering in order to reach out and help others, like me.

It seemed that on every step of our journey the pain and cruelty of cancer was more than matched by the goodness and resilience of countless people determined not to be overcome by suffering.

God of life may your love and healing grow strongly in all our lives and communities, bless us with courage and resilience and lead us always in the paths of hope. Amen.