His throne was flames of fire, with wheels of burning fire. A surging stream of fire
flowed out from where he sat. // Daniel 7:9-10
In 1990, my sister and I went to Medjugorje. There, Vicka, one of the children to whom the Blessed Mother is said to have appeared, prayed over us. She was not much older than we were, just twenty-five. We both fell to our knees crying without knowing why; we couldn’t understand a word she said. But her countenance was numinous: so pure, so radiant. It was something I’ll never forget.
Many years passed and Vicka married, had children, and then got breast cancer. She was speaking frequently at the time and wasn’t interested in canceling any of her talks. She would let the Blessed Mother take care of it, she said—until family members stepped in and said, “Yes, Mary will take care of it, and we’ll also apply a little modern medicine.” So she went home, was treated, and later returned to speaking.
Years ago when I first had breast cancer, I panicked and felt sorry for myself for about a day. Then I remembered Vicka’s story and thought, If that glorious creature can get breast cancer having lived the life she has lived, who am I to complain about it? It was treated and I went on about my life.
When I learned the cancer had returned, again I had a few days of panic and self-pity, but was quickly, thankfully, drawn out of that by remembering Vicka’s story and the God we serve. Myriad angels minister to this God of everlasting dominion, Whose throne is flames of fire (see Daniel 7:10). If in His omnipotence He has deigned to allow me this suffering, then I trust it is for some greater good. And though this good may be hidden from me, it is known to Him and I choose, again and again, to trust in a God the angels serve.
If you need reminding of God’s glory and might, His wisdom and power, ask the angels to pray for you. They know firsthand and have approached in all humility this throne of fire from which He governs with justice, might, and mercy, your life and mine.
Liz Kelly Stanchina is a jazz singer who met Jesus in late-night adoration. She is the community leader for women’s formation at the Word on Fire Institute and the author of more than a dozen award-winning books, including Jesus Approaches, Love Like a Saint, and the Blessed is She Advent devotional A Thrill of Hope. She holds advanced degrees in creative writing and Catholic studies. She is trained as a spiritual director, leading retreats and speaking around the world with a particular focus on helping women to flourish in their faith. Visit her website at LizK.org or follow her on Instagram at LizKToday.
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