Source of all creation, You did not make our lives free of trouble, but gave us affliction, which serves to purify our souls. And so, we thank and praise You for the bad and the good which befalls us, as Your love is revealed in each. It is out of Your immeasurable love of us that You sent your Son to us, He who was most afflicted of all. Yet, He did not spare Himself even one stripe of the whip. And so, Loving God, you have granted Father Tom purification in the fire of his cross, so that he lifts Your Holy Name up in praise. His spirit desires the eternal room You have prepared for him, but not one minute before his work on earth is done. He possesses no earthly fear, but rather pure dread of displeasing You, Who gave him life and Who calls it home. We beg Your Divine Mercy upon Father Tom, that his faithful example of fortitude and praise will inspire many souls to turn to you. Graciously strengthen him in body, in mind and in spirit, so that his suffering venerates Your Name. Father in Heaven, the trials and tribulations of the Saints have never been our desire, but rather Yours, for the sake of their immortal souls. We weep as we consider that the greater the suffering, the greater the reward. But, Loving Creator, Your eternal mercy, which appears to sinners as loss, is Your very nature and desire for us. Lord, we thank You. Lord, we praise You. Lord, we glorify Your Holy and Eternal Name. Amen! Alleluia!
