The Gospel of John 6:47

A young man, suffering from cancer, was about to undergo an operation in one of the large hospitals in Scotland. When the surgeon made a careful examination, he discovered that the only hope of saving the life of the patient was the removal of his tongue. The young man had already been taken to the operating room when the surgeon, in a tender and sympathetic way, explained to the sufferer that, even though the operation should be successful, he would never again be able to speak and was asked whether there was anything he wished to say before the operation commenced.

For a moment a shadow crossed the brow of the young man as he thought that he would never again be able to testify in song or word for the Master whom he loved. But soon the shadow passed and a smile lighted up his face. He sat up, lifted up his voice and sang the hymn, “There is a Fountain Filled with Blood.” Before the third verse was reached not an eye of those who stood around the bed was dry. How he sang! Then came the last verse:

“Then in a nobler, sweeter song,
I’ll sing thy power to save.
When this poor, lisping, stammering tongue,
Lies silent in the grave.”

Anesthetic was administered, the operation was performed, but alas, the patient never regained consciousness. Thus his last song on earth would be his first in heaven.

May the possession of that hope, which this young man possessed, sanctify and inspire the lives of you who may read this touching story.

Fr. Hugh Duffy

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