BOURBONNAIS, Chicago — Here’s a medical story worth reflecting on the feast of "All Souls’ Day."
In the September 2003 issue of
Reader’s Digest, there’s an interesting article, entitled "After Life" written by Anita Bartholomew. It documents near-death experiences (NDE) which attempt to prove scientifically the existence of the human soul and the life after.
The article relates about the case of Pam Reynolds, 35, who needed a brain operation due to a life-threatening bulge in an artery in her brain in the summer of 1991.
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Dr. Rober Spetzler, the neurosurgeon and director of the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona, told the patient that in order to do that, he would have to stop her heart.
During that time, her brain function would cease. By all clinical measures, Pam would be dead for up to an hour.
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On the day, all the preparations had been made. As Spetzler switched on the surgical saw to open the patient’s skull, something occurred that never registered on any of the sophisticated monitoring devices.
Reynolds felt herself get out of her body.
From a vantage point above the surgeon’s shoulders, she looked down on the operation. She "saw" Spetzler holding the surgical saw. She heard a voice which noted that the patient’s blood vessels were too small.
Even though her eyes and ears were sealed shut, what she perceived was actually happening.
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Then her blood was drained from her body. By all readings of every instrument, Pam was dead. Then she found herself traveling down a tunnel towards a light.
At its end, she saw her longdead grandmother, relatives, and friends.
Time seemed to stop. Then an uncle led her back to her body and told her to return.
When she became conscious, Pam told Spetzler all that she had seen and experienced. The surgeon could not believe her story. "You are way out of my area of expertise," he said.
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Many doctors, the article said, would dismiss such reports. The conventional medical explanation was hallucination brought on by changes in the dying brain.
However, this could not be the case. Such hallucination could occur ONLY if the brain maintained some function. But in Pam’s case, it is like unplugging a computer from the power source but there is still a program.
There must be another source of consciousness other than the brain. The experiences of those "returnees" or clinically dead testifies that such source is a soul.
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Life after death and immortality are not really new because these are bedrock teachings of the Scriptures and the Catholic Church ever since. Listen to Jesus’ words: "In My Father’s house there are many dwelling places... I am going to prepare a place for you" (Jn 14:2).
But through such medical findings as Pam Reynolds experience, science can indeed support and confirm the Christian conviction of the soul and life after death.
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TODAY’S HUMOR. A professor at the University of Florida gave a lecture on the supernatural. To get a feel for his audience, he asks, "How many people here believe in ghosts?" About 90 students raise their hands.
Well, that’s a good start. Out of those of you who believe in ghosts, do any of you think you’ve ever seen a ghost?" About 40 students raised their hands.
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That’s really good. I’m really glad you take this seriously. Has anyone here ever talked to a ghost?"
About 15 students raise their hands. Has anyone here ever touched a ghost?"
Three students raise their hands. "That’s fantastic.
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Now let me ask you one question further, "Have any of you ever made love to ghosts?"
Way in the back, Bob raises his hand. The professor takes off his glasses, and says, "Son, in all the years I’ve been giving this lecture; no one has ever claimed to have made love to a ghost. You’ve got to come up here and tell us about your experience."
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The big redneck student replied with a nod and a grin, and began to make his way up to the podium. When he is at the front of the room, the professor asks, "So, Bob, tell us what it’s like to have sex with ghosts?"
Bobby suddenly stopped and replied, "Sorry, Sir. From way back there I thought you said, "GOATS!"
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ANY GOOD WORK? When you die and the Lord asks you, "What did you do for the poor?" Will you tremble in fear for failing to do anything for them?
Do something now before it’s too late. Chip in an amount or sponsor a poor seminarian’s schooling.
Make your donation payable to "Adopt a Seminarian" c/o Fr. Bel San Luis, SVD, Christ the King Seminary, 1101 E. Rodriguez Blvd., Quezon City, 1112 Philippines.
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