Thursday 16th February 2023

“Get behind me, Satan.
You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.” 

As an older aged resident doctor who has more experience than others working on my own. I am often asked about how I am coping back to doing jobs of an intern level. To be honest I am not – I am going with the flow. By the day begins with e rounding ,I am tearing through the work list and studying and dozing off at class by evenings!

My inner satan wakes inside and screams – why do I have to skip lunch ? Why do I have to struggle so much? I do! My work as a doctor calls me-oncology is tough and everytime I want to give up – I see my warrior like patients at ages of 70 + fight their battle and move on! I scream at satan like Peter and push him off!

We humans tend to believe everything we say is superior! However, we have to realise that just the way Jesus suffered for absolutely no fault of His and was persecuted, so do I as a human need to look at Him and learn virtue of patience and humility!

As I have always been a person to call a spade a spade – I dont get along well as a junior with most humans! I tend to say something that isnt pleasant to a superior to a senior but is true! I come across as blunt and rude and always have!

This Lent I am going to work on my humility and human behaviour to adapt as much of being Jesus and stop asking myself questions about why, what and why me… but focus on being a better human with humility and patince as virtues!

What is your lenten sacrifice?

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

11 Comments

  1. Thank you, Analise. I think most of us struggle with humility and patience, and say unkind things when we are stressed and pressurised, and your work is obviously very intense. It’s hard to remember to pray for grace at those times. I’ll pray for you, too.

  2. Thank you Analise for your honest assessment of yourself. So many of us need that self examination to better understand how we interact and behave amongst others. Lets look up and not look down. Peace with you my sister.

  3. Thank you Analise. May God bless your efforts this Lent. I think I will do something like this too. I also struggle with similar sins.

  4. Annalise, I sure enjoy your reflections…. Makes me think “what Ace would you be calling a spade if you meet me?”. We all need people in our lives who bring us humility. We all hope that that recognizing this need comes in gentle reminders. Let us better listen to the Holy Sprit as he hums songs of humility to our souls.

  5. I thank God that he has led you to Oncology. As an Oncology Nurse for over 15 years, I feel blessed that someone like you will be traveling this journey with our cancer patients. Hang in there! And Thank You!

  6. Thank you Dr Analise!
    As I am a full time caregiver for my husband and also a nurse, I am very tough with him. When he is not compliant it aggravates and frustrates me! Many times a day I must chase Satan away by touching the Sacred heart portrait in our hallway, touching the crucifix across from it and blessing myself. I must apologize to my husband and tell him I love him and try a more gentle approach and be patient. My lent is just that asking the Holy Spirit to give me Grace and care for and love my husband as God does.

    God bless everyone!

  7. Thank you for sharing this reflection. I’m a retired nurse, I took care of my sister who passed away from cancer. Your job is difficult. Praying for God’s blessings for you as you strive to help others, may He strengthen you and bless you with His mercy grace and love 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

  8. You are my strong baby girl. Surrender and put all your worries in the hands of the lord. He will help you to carry all your burdens. Mama and Papa are with you always. Our prayers will help you in carrying your burdens. God bless you abundantly. We love you very much. Keep smiling.

  9. i love your honesty and frankness, so many of us can relate…thanks for sharing and hoping i too can work on these virtues….

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