KoC Lecturer’s Note
For January 2018

Dear Brother Knights,

In June of last year, my nephrologist told me that my kidneys were failing and that I needed to begin dialysis treatments. I was still feeling well and decided to haul some donations down to the Ladies of Charity, which I know quite well because I had performed handyman tasks there for several years.  As I was signing in at the Intake Area, I heard a voice call out “Cy Henke, I haven’t seen you in a while!” It was Susan Unbehand, the Director of LOC; she came over and gave me a hug and we talked for a few minutes sharing our health problems (her heart) and we wished each other well and prayers.  For the rest of that day and many days afterward, I had a warm and pleasant feeling, which was kind of puzzling to me.  I’ve certainly been hugged many, many times, but this time had a special effect.  I finally decided that even if I didn’t know it, God knew I needed some support at this time and He sent Susan to give it to me.  I call that a “Moment of Grace!”

I call it a “Moment of Grace” based on what my son (Greg) taught one of his religion teachers at Bourgade Catholic High School in Phoenix, AZ.  Greg was a religion teacher there for 19 years, then a counselor, and a head baseball coach.  He passed away suddenly in March of last year.  What he taught was: “Grace is the living presence of God on earth.” So I believe that what Susan forwarded to me was God’s grace, His living presence and that is why I felt so good!  My belief was reinforced by the following meditation from Vision 2000 by Mark Link, S. J.:

Scripture

A leper asked Jesus to cure him.} 

Jesus reached out and touched him. “I do want to,” he answered. “Be clean!” At once the disease left the man. Mark 1:41-42

A Daily Life Story

New York University studies show that when nurses lay hands on patients with the intention of healing them, the patients’ recovery accelerates.  This leaves some doctors to believe “that there is a natural power of life in loving people which is communicated in a special way through the power of touch and that the patient absorbs much of his life, or energy, in such a way that the sick body can build up its own life-building forces.” (Francis MacNutt)

Personal Reflection

To what extent do I express my love, especially for family members, in a tangible, concrete way?

Prayer

Lord, help me to realize that one warm embrace or one loving touch of the hand may be able to release more healing than a bucketful of pills and medicine.

I also believe that we all have this ability to reach out and touch someone with God’s grace. All that is required is that we have the intention of forwarding God’s living presence to those who need it.

As Brother Knights In Service to One, In Service to All,  I continue to urge you all to begin your service activities with prayer and to consider offering Moments of Grace to those you are serving.

Respectfully submitted,

Cy Henke

Council 15706 Lecturer
Vivat Jesus