A Revelation

Our Beloved Community

Friends recently lost their twelve-year-old son, Thomas, to leukemia. He was a remarkable young man who had a gift for being present to others and making them feel welcome. Several hundred people attended his funeral service.

As I reflected on Thomas’ life, on his ability to remain joyful and generous even as his health waned, I recalled the lives of two great Catholic saints: Francis of Assisi and Ignatius of Loyola. Both saw life as a gift of abundance that we are called to share freely with others.

Francis expressed his commitment to serving others with love and generosity by making a vow to Lady Poverty. Ignatius expressed his commitment with equal elegance in these lines from a beautiful prayer that he wrote, Suscipe (“Take Lord, Receive”) (1):

          You have given all to me.
          To you, Lord, I return it.

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Young Thomas, may your example of love, courage and generosity ever enliven our hearts as we walk forth with renewed commitment to welcome each person, each challenge and each day into our lives.

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Resources

(1) “Suscipe.” https://www.xavier.edu/jesuitresource/online-resources/prayer-index/ignatian-prayers#suscipe. Accessed 16 November 2025.