726. A Journey That Should Have Taken 5–7 Minutes Took 1 Hour 40 Minutes While Offering Up Pain

💌726. A Journey That Should Have Taken 5–7 Minutes Took 1 Hour 40 Minutes While Offering Up Pain

At the time, I asked Father John Park, the parish priest, to baptize elderly man Bong, he gladly agreed. The day before the baptism, I wanted to ensure that the grandfather could receive the sacrament after being properly washed and prepared. Just as I was leaving the beauty parlor and heading to his house, President Rufino Park of the secondary station in Docho showed up and said, “Julia, I want to come with you. Let me just stop by the restroom quickly,” so we set off together.

The distance from Jungang-dong, passing through the Mae-il market to Gyo-dong, was usually a short 5 to 7-minute walk. But as soon as we reached the entrance to the market alley, I was suddenly overcome by intense pain throughout my entire body. My feet felt like wooden blocks. I tried to drag one foot forward, but it felt as if I were about to collapse. My feet were stuck to the ground and would not lift. Even though it was difficult, I tried with all my might to keep moving forward, step by step, with Semchigo as if I received love from the Lord.

However, no matter how much effort I put in, it was as if some unseen force was pulling my body down to the ground. I could not even move a single step more than three centimeters. Bent over in excruciating pain, I gasped for air and thrashed my body in agony. I was dragging my heavy legs, trying to push them forward, but I could not make any real progress—neither truly walking nor fully standing still. I was stuck in a state that was neither motion nor rest.

Rufino, alarmed by this sudden phenomenon, asked, “Should we call a taxi?” Struggling even to speak, I managed to gasp out between labored breaths, “No… I will offer up… this pain… with Semchigo as if I received love… for the repentance of sinners… and for the healing… of elderly man Bong.” Then Rufino said, “But how on earth are you going to walk all the way there in this condition—with your body and legs like this?”

In response to his words, I found myself replying slowly but firmly, without realizing it:

“President! If you wish to join in the sacrifice I am offering, then come with me. But if not, would you go back? Even though it is difficult and painful, I will go, joining in the sufferings of Jesus.” Rufino replied, “All right then, I will join you in your sacrifice.”

He supported me as I trembled and struggled with all my strength just to take a step forward. The way I moved—wriggling and standing almost still while inching forward—must have looked strange and even ridiculous to others. Passersby stared with puzzled eyes, and some even stopped to watch. But none of that mattered to me at all.

Feeling embarrassed by how things looked, President Rufino once again suggested that we take a taxi. But since I was united with Jesus in His suffering, I had already transcended all shame or humiliation. Despite the relentless pain that felt as if my body might collapse at any moment, I offered it up with Semchigo as if I received extreme love from Jesus. Inch by inch—two or three centimeters at a time—I pushed myself forward.

I was determined not to give up on bathing elderly man Bong before his baptism. Every step I took through overwhelming pain, I offered up as a Prayer of Life—a sacrifice, penance, and act of love—for the repentance of each soul. “Did our Jesus not carry the Cross, bloodied from the countless beatings, bearing every humiliation, scourging, and mockery?”

As I meditated deeply, I thought, “How terrible must have been the Passion our Lord endured when He climbed Calvary, carrying that heavy and agonizing Cross step by painful step?” And so, my Heart became filled with joy and gladness, knowing I was participating in the Way of the Cross on Calvary alongside the Lord. At that moment, I heard His voice gently whisper with delight:

“Oh, my dear Little Soul! Thank you. Each day, each moment, as you meditate on the Cross I carry, and offer the Prayers of Life to mend my torn Heart and lead sinners to repentance; I am greatly consoled and filled with joy. And when I see your faithful love—burning with passion for neighbors, interspersed with sacrifice, penance, and offering—I can, even if only for a moment, forget my pain.”

My personal reflection note with Mama Julia🌹💗 

Link 👇🏻

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