In today’s gospel, Jesus reminds us of the two greatest commandments. You shall love your neighbor as yourself has manifested itself through the most difficult journey of my husband’s life.

My husband worked at Creighton Prep Jesuit High School in Omaha, Nebraska for 39 years as a teacher, coach, principal, and president. He embraced the Catholic, Jesuit mission from day one.  Phrases like people for and with others, magis, cura personalis and ‘for the greater glory of God’ have rolled off his tongue for years.  He loved the students, faculty, and staff.

In May 2021, a few weeks before he was to retire, he was diagnosed with stage 2 pancreatic cancer.  It still causes my heart to lurch when I write those words.  During a routine annual physical in March 2021, his doctors noticed in his bloodwork that his liver enzymes were elevated.  They ran many tests and decided they needed to take a liver biopsy because nothing was conclusive. 

The day of the biopsy, the gastroenterology doctor walked into the pre-op room and said, Hello Mr. Naatz.  John recognized his former Prep student and said, Hi Michael. Good to see you again.  Michael said, I’ll be doing your procedure today.  John responded, That gives me great comfort. I often think of those words and recognize that John’s comfort and trust came from their connection -- Creighton Prep.  Men for Others.  Cura Personalis

After the procedure, Michael explained to us with great care, There is nothing wrong with your liver, Mr. Naatz.  However, there is a pancreatic tumor blocking your liver ducts.  I know a good oncologist and surgeon. As the room spun around us, the young nurse put her arm around me.  I will always remember their compassion.

They turned out to be the norm for us. Through chemo, surgery, more chemo and several weeks of radiation, we were anchored with love and held in this bewildering sometimes fierce fight by family, friends, Jesuits, Creighton Prep colleagues, and countless people who have Prep connections.   

Two years after his diagnosis, John’s outstanding oncologist announced to us that there was no evidence of disease.  He even hugged us and said to John, You are a pillar of this community. It is an honor to be your doctor.  With a grin he added, Thanks for letting an Omaha Westside High School guy walk with you through this.  We laughed and cried.  Our gratitude is impossible to describe.

John is now living a full life with deep gratitude.  I believe in my heart that those who have walked with us in solidarity and loved their neighbor have shaped this outcome.
Perhaps Peter Schineller S.J. says it the best:  There is an inseparability between love of God and love of neighbor.  It is one movement, the movement enabled by grace (the grace of God in Christ Jesus) to which we give witness.    Without Love of Neighbor by Peter Schineller S.J., America Magazine, February 18, 2019