An Arthritic’s Prayer to Saint Alphonsus
aint Alphonsus, you are the special patron of all who suffer from arthritis and tire pains of many years. When our fingers twist with pain, keep us focused on the hands of Christ pierced with nails. When our knees throb with endless aches, allow us to see the knees of Jesus smashing to the street under the heavy cross.
When our backs stiffen with soreness, let us remember the back of Christ thrown across the rough wood of the cross. When our hips, elbows, knuckles, and other joints hurt so much that tears well up in our eyes, help us to recall the tears, the sweat, and the blood that flowed from our crucified Jesus, who suffered so much more for each of us.
Saint Alphonsus, you were afflicted with the curvature of the spine and confined to a wheelchair in your final years. Teach us to unite all our pains with the sufferings of Jesus. By your intercession, may our pain be eased but even more, may we be one with Jesus in his death and resurrection for the redemption of the world. Amen.