Thursday 15th February 2024

Analise D Mello MBBS, MS obgyn, DNB

“If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself
and take up his cross daily and follow me.
For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.
What profit is there for one to gain the whole world
yet lose or forfeit himself?”

I am here, trying to fast intentionally while I type this reflection and realised I am so caught up with my addiction to food and comfort that any deviation has had me really realise how I need it!! I need the constant validation, the comfort of some good fatty sugary meal and the food coma after so I can completely immerse my exhausted mine off to sleep…

Lent 2024, is my wake up call to realise how much I have been giving God a back seat and I am deliberately saying a prayer when I feel that pang of hunger and headache. I am making a conscious effort to fast and survive and let my mind realise how worldy my desires have gotten.

All of us make resolutions for lent, mine is a long list but yeah like Jesus said , we have to carry the cross. Mine is a lot of addictions and what is your ?

Let us focus on the good and the focus on making time for prayer, fasting and carrying our little crosses

P.S. it is world pediatric cancer day today – lets pray for all the children suffering from cancer!

AMEN

About the Author

Hello! I’m Dr Analise Maria D’ Mello, (MBBS, MS obgyn, DNB) from the beautiful state of Goa in India. I was born and raised in a Roman Catholic family, learning my prayers, catechism and Catholic values from my parents and grandmothers. I am currently practicing as an obstetrician and gynecologist for 3 years since my residency.

I often speak on anti-abortion to college students and married couples, and counsel distressed pregnant women with appropriate medical advice. I am part of the St Luke’s Medical Guild of Catholic Doctors in my state providing services in prisons, and Lenten and advent retreats for medical professionals and their families.