Injured Student Inspires Others, Reveals Faith
FATHER PAUL A. BURKE, Special Contributor
Published: September 2, 2004
FAIRBURN—On Friday, Aug. 20, Our Lady of Mercy High School hosted its first football game of the season, against Pacelli High School from Columbus. Despite inclement weather, “Bobcat” spirit was high among the students, their families, and the staff, as they prepared for the traditional Friday night high school football game.
However, this game took a different and more serious turn from the expected entertainment. In the second quarter, Matthew Sanchez, a sophomore safety on Mercy’s team, was severely injured. Flown by medical helicopter to Atlanta Medical Center, he was diagnosed as having a broken neck and transferred a short time later to Shepherd Spinal Center.
On Sunday, Aug. 22, Sanchez underwent a successful surgery at Piedmont Hospital, and he is now undergoing rehabilitation at the Shepherd clinic. While he has a long road of recovery ahead of him, doctors are pleased with the progress he is making.
Matthew is an exceptional young man with tremendous faith and motivation. From the very moment he was injured, he has not complained or shown pity for himself. His parents, Lorraine and Rudjard Sanchez, have been by his side throughout his hospitalization, with regular visits from his younger sister, Olivia.
Matthew has been an inspiration to all who have been touched by his life. The school celebrated a special Mass of healing for him. Following is the homily that was preached at the Mass, shared in the hope that it will provide a glimpse into the life and the faith of a young man who has been “a gift from God” to his fellow students, teachers, friends and family.
Over the past few days, we have experienced many emotions and have asked many questions. What happened on Friday night at Our Lady of Mercy to our brother and friend, Matthew Sanchez, has shocked and stunned us. Right now, our hearts are heavy because our friend is suffering. These feelings are natural—they show that we love him, that we care for him, and that he means the world to us. We know that the best thing we can do for Matthew and his family right now is to unite with them in prayer—prayer for Matthew to be restored to health, prayer for strength and comfort for the whole family, prayer for the wonderful staff of doctors, nurses, physical and occupational therapists at the Shepherd Spinal Center, and prayer for ourselves that we might be vessels of God in bringing him hope and consolation.
Throughout the Gospels, we have many stories of Jesus healing the sick. The sick were drawn to Him, and He was drawn to them. The Gospel of St. Matthew contains many miracles of Jesus healing the sick. While physically we were not present to witness these events, we are blessed that St. Matthew and the other disciples were. Not only did they witness them, but they have recorded them for us, so that when we reflect on them, we are reminded that it is the same Jesus who worked these miracles that is in our midst.
“I am with you always.” That is the promise of Jesus—He is with us right here, right now. He is with Matthew giving him strength and courage. He is with Matthew’s family, giving them hope. He is with all of the staff of the Shepherd Spinal Center as they imitate the healing power of the Divine Physician. He is with us through the tough times as He is with us in the good times. Jesus is not indifferent to pain and suffering. When we look at Him on the cross, we see the depth of what He suffered out of love. We remember that as He carried His cross, His Mother Mary was there with Him every step of the way; Veronica wiped the sweat and blood from His face; Simon of Cyrene helped Him carry the cross. Even the good thief on the cross beside Him recognized the Son of God.
Jesus suffered. Jesus suffers with us. But He says to us, in the words of St. John, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Have faith in God, have faith also in me.” Today, we are asking Jesus to allow Matthew to be well. And we know that God listens to our prayer. We must have hope—the Resurrection followed Good Friday. Out of sorrow, there was joy.
The name “Matthew” literally means “a gift from God.” Matthew is truly God’s gift to all of us. We are better people because of the example he has shown us. We are better people because he befriended us. We are better people because even in the midst of his suffering, Matthew offers prayers for us.
Matthew’s dad spoke to the football team on Monday after we first had Mass for him. He relayed some messages to them from Matthew. The first is that it was nobody’s fault—it was an accident, and we should not try to place the blame on anyone. The second is that he does not want people to feel pity for him—he wants your prayers—and he wants us to have hope. Again, this shows who he really is—our gift from God putting everyone else before himself.
I have been ordained a priest for eight years and studied for the priesthood for over four years. And I tell you as I told the football team on Monday, Matthew has taught me more in the past few days than I have ever read in any book or heard in any class. Even on Friday night, his courage and respect shone forth. All of the doctors and nurses have commented on the fact that he is truly a Christian gentleman. We have prayed together many times, and he hangs on every word of prayer—“praying” from the depths of his heart. His courage, fidelity, patience, gentleness, respect and humor are among the many qualities that he has continuously shown throughout these difficult days. While the days ahead are going to be difficult, I can guarantee you that he will push himself to make progress—he is highly motivated and that motivation has a spiritual energy that is crystal clear. On Saturday, I told Matthew about Pope John Paul—who was a great athlete in his young days—who has fought insurmountable difficulties and continues to this day to be a role model for so many people. Matthew is that same type of role model for you and for me. The source of his strength is the same as the Holy Father’s—it is God. He will touch many lives at the Shepherd Center—he will motivate other patients as he is doing already.
So many people have spoken about Matthew and what he means to them. One note read: “Matthew, I do not know you, but you spoke to me every day in school.” He has been a faithful friend to so many people. The Book of Sirach reads: “A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter, he who finds one finds a treasure.” He is that friend; he is that treasure. He has enriched our lives in so many different ways.
Above all, let us take the words of Jesus to heart, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Have faith in God and faith in me.” God is with us—He has never let us down in the past, He won’t let us down now. Let us continue to pray for Matthew, offer personal sacrifices for him, imitate his courage, and above all, trust in God who is at the center of Matthew’s life. Nothing is impossible for God.
________________________________________
Messages for Matthew Sanchez can be posted in the guest book at the following Web site: www.geocities.com/matthewsanchez04.
A special fund has been established to assist Matthew’s family in their short-term and long-term needs. Donations may be given directly to the “Matthew D. Sanchez Fund” at any Bank of America. Checks made out to the fund may also be sent to: “Matthew Sanchez Fund,” c/o Father Paul A. Burke, Our Lady of Mercy Catholic High School, 861 Highway 279, Fairburn, GA 30213.
Cards may be sent directly to: Matthew Sanchez, Shepherd Spinal Center, 2020 Peachtree Road, NW, Atlanta, GA 30309.
Father Paul A. Burke is the chaplain at Our Lady of Mercy High School in Fairburn.
|
