WORLD DAY OF THE SICK

Today, in a world community united in prayer for those who are sick, we are invited to consider the gospel of the Good Samaritan. We are also invited to join with a world community praying in celebration for the feast of our Lady of Lourdes. Today is all about healing.

That precious gift is often given to us through the wisdom, skill and compassion of those who care for our health and well-being. At other times, healing is witnessed in the dramatic miracles for which Lourdes and places of healing are renown. However it happens, God is at work.

Whatever the process, we are invited to live with care-full attention. We need eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart open to perceiving the needs around us. In the example of the Good Samaritan, Jesus reminds us that we must not rush by. It can be very tempting to pretend that we do not see those who are in need.

With pain-filled clarity, we also know a difficult truth: we cannot personally respond to everything. Sometimes, our very blindness is a survival strategy. We sometimes simply do not allow ourselves to see what we cannot bear to see. We turn a deaf ear to that which is simply “too much” to hear.

At other times, we are aware of the need and succumb to the temptation to do too much. We allow ourselves to give so much to others that our own resources are depleted. Many know the feeling of being over-extended and becoming too exhausted to be of service to anyone.

How then, do we journey through this life and live in this world?

A few thoughts ….

The gospel story introduces us to a man we know as the Good Samaritan. He saw a need. He graciously and gracefully stopped and offered help. He gave generously of his time and his resources. And he knew when the need was beyond him. He brought the injured person to a safe place and ensured that care would be provided. He promised to return and see if it was enough.

Sometimes, life brings us those situations that require dramatic intervention and noteworthy responses. Most of the time, however, life brings us an abundance of smaller opportunities to be of service. Consider this common occurrence.

We see that a family member, friend, neighbour or colleague is going through a challenging time. We stop and listen, perhaps offering words that comfort and console. We assure the other that they are not alone. Our very presence is confirmation that someone cares. We may, at another time, be open to further conversation. With simple compassion, even our care-filled remembering can offer healing balm and grace-filled blessing.

If I might offer the perspective of a personal experience that continues to inform and transform the way in which I live and work. A few years ago, a very skilled surgeon and I were speaking about my upcoming procedure. We spoke of her knowledge and years of experience. She had every reason to be filled with professional pride. Many people in her position would have carried an air of arrogance.

At the end of our conversation, she quietly and graciously offered this: “When surgery begins, it will simply be one human being caring for another.” Her words offered balm and blessing. While I trusted her skills as a surgeon, I also understood the way in which she carried out her work. Even when I was unconscious and very vulnerable, I would be treated with respect. In her care, my sense of dignity would be intact. In her hands, I would be safe.

Whatever gifts, resources, skills and talents we have to offer, it is that simple. One human being caring for another. We can uplift one another. With wisdom born of compassion, and compassion born of love, we offer, and receive, healing in body, mind, and spirit.

Brenda Merk Hildebrand has a deep passion for lifelong learning, education, and spiritual and palliative care. She appreciates the opportunities that have come her way to share life’s transforming journey with others: one-with-one, through intentional group settings, in animating workshops and retreats, and by way of her writing. Brenda is a long-time contributor to Living with Christ.