Thursday 13th March 2025

“Ask and it will be given to you;
seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds;
and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

This reading could not be at a more appropriate time… I have been asking softly but persistently for some more chances at work but I have been turned away … Seems somedays like I dont exist at that place when people talk over me or through me … I have never had such an experience in my life…

I still have been asking but I realized maybe its time I sit silent and wait and seek on my own in silence and in perseverance for a faith and inner me… I am anxious and stressed on a daily basis with work and my exams approaching. I am wondering what is the entire outcome of me doing this residency and then a text message from a mentor I had when I was just joining my OBGYN residency in 2013 made me realise that I received everything I asked for and doors have been opened for me which I never realised while I am still knocking at the next destination..

Life is going on continuum … we need to rewind , pause and reflect and reset especially through lenten season with our faith. While in the chaos I did skip a Thursday reflection and I apologize profusely for the same .. I am looking forward to rest of Lent to calm myself and look forward. A lot of drama we create is not necessary and unwanted – at work, at home, in our prayer lives!

All we need is to sit down close our eyes and pray! Listen to God in His word and reflect upon the mysteries of the rosary — alas! I am culprit to distractions and constantly seeking the next goal and task!

This Lent I want to pause , reflect and re think my journey with Christ – I want to focus on what is important – being a good person to everyone and as I complain to my mother how I find it very hard to manage a vegetarian diet during lent with lesser food choices — she looks at me through the phone screen and yells — learn to forgive and be a good person instead!!!

Amen to that!

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.

Author Archive Page

14 Comments

  1. Great lenten and everyday advice from your mom for you and ACM readers – forgive and be a good person. How do we become a good person? By imitating Christ.

  2. Dear Dr. Analise, it seems like you have found an understanding of your situation, and your mother has given you good advice. I am praying for the good Lord to grant you peace. You are certainly forgiven for missing last week’s reflection. Your life is stressful, but God will not let you be burdened with anything you cannot bear. I am grateful that you continue to offer us hope with our problems. May God grant peace to everyone at ACM.

  3. I am learning to pause in the morning before jumping out of bed. Thanks for the reminder. I am always grateful 🙏

  4. Your reflections so often seem to hit home. While working I experienced many of the same situations/feelings. What I needed to do was to stop, breathe, pray, and trust in Him – not others.
    Peace

  5. You’re halfway around the world, yet I feel as if you’re sitting right here in my living room ! Beautiful and down to earth reflection. God bless your work.

  6. Thank you Analise.We readers of ACM appreciate your efforts in writing your reflection.You are exactly where God needs you to be today.He loves you and will guide you through this challenging time in your career.Have faith and know that you’re not alone.🙏🏻

  7. Love these words you shared today Analise: ” I realized maybe its time I sit silent and wait and seek on my own in silence…” So much I’ve read this week has focused on silence, isolation and the desert experience where I might hear God. Then this morning at mass we sang, “the wilderness will bring you to your heart where I will speak.”
    Peace to you.

  8. Analise you are not alone. Many of us here at ACM have experienced what you are feeling and the challenges you are faced with. Thank You for the insight you give and the beautiful words of encouragement. God bless you!!

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