I want to bear witness to the value of reconciliation and the powerful healing that the Lord has brought about in my life and in that of my father.

My father was in hospital with a serious lung condition. One day, he suffered a sudden respiratory crisis. The situation was truly alarming, so much so that the doctor came out of the ward and said to me: “Your father is dying”. These words were like a wave that swept me away, plunging me into a despair I had never felt before, so much so that I cried out to the Lord: “Not now, Lord! Save my father, I still have so many things to say to him and I want to embrace him!”

I remember that I immediately confided in my friends in Cantonuovo, and from that moment a fervent intercession began. Everyone was praying for my father, joining in my prayer: “Lord, if this is the right time, let my father go in peace, but if it is not, give him life again so that he may do what he still has to do.”

I can say that God truly heard the cry of my prayer. My father came out of the crisis, but a few days later his condition worsened and he was admitted to intensive care. I still hadn’t had the chance to speak to him. But the Lord already had His plan of salvation ready!

One morning, my brother and I were able to visit my father in intensive care. He was sedated and hadn’t noticed us. We were praying for him when he suddenly woke up, began speaking to us, and we were amazed by the clarity of his words. I realised immediately that this was the moment Jesus had prepared for us. It was a moment of powerful blessing for us all.

Everything that was still unresolved between us, everything that had remained inside us and that we had never spoken of out of pride or fear and which made us feel bad, all the wounds and pains hidden for years—it all came out and came to light. There was a great reconciliation and we forgave one another with all our hearts. I don’t think I have ever loved my father as much as I did at that moment. I felt a great warmth within me and saw happiness in my father’s eyes.

It was the Lord Jesus who, through the forgiveness we had granted one another, was healing us of all our wounds, our grudges, our bitterness, and every sense of guilt.

I remember the last words my father spoke: “I’ve understood everything! I’m fine now. I can even die.” Those were prophetic words because a few days later he returned to the Father. My father died at peace because he had experienced God’s reconciliation and forgiveness. And even I, when I still think of those painful days, have great peace in my heart and can only shout that Jesus is great!

Ours is a God who heals, who forgives, who saves his children right up to the very last day of their lives!