Today
is annually set aside for as a day of prayer and service for those who are
sick. In his most inspiring message for this
year’s prayer, Pope Francis emphasizes "that Jesus heals not by magic but
as a result of an encounter, an interpersonal relationship.” He further
says: “Service is never ideological, for
we do not serve ideas, we serve people. If a therapy is to be effective,
it must have a relational aspect, for this enables a holistic approach to the
patient. Emphasizing this aspect can help doctors, nurses, professionals and
volunteers to feel responsible for accompanying patients on a path of healing
grounded in a trusting interpersonal relationship (cf. New Charter for
Health Care Workers [2016], 4). This creates a covenant between those in
need of care and those who provide that care, a covenant based on mutual trust
and respect, openness and availability. This will help to overcome defensive
attitudes, respect the dignity of the sick, safeguard the professionalism of
healthcare workers and foster a good relationship with the families of patients.”
At this morning’s Eucharist with our two first-time guests and
four people from nearby, we felt and experienced a solidarity with so many
people near and far who are part of the life of the House of Prayer. This solidarity is especially where the need
of others to be healed meets our own need for healing. The COVID pandemic makes
us more aware than ever of this relationship with one another.
“Dear God, we place our worries in your hands. We place our sick under your care and humbly
ask that you restore your people to health again … to know your will and know
that whatever you do, you do for love of us.
We surrender to you everything that we are and everything that we’re
striving to be … we release everything into your compassionate care.”
http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/sick/documents/papa-francesco_20201220_giornata-malato.html
So much depth to ponder in these words, and yet so simple. " Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. " Once we have truly touched deeply into our own need for healing on many levels, we then become free to compassionately journey with others in need - and we are all in need, in one way or another.
ReplyDeleteIt was March 1970....time for my 6 week check-up. I greeted two young mothers at the clinic for the same purpose, admiring their babies. I came with empty arms; my little girl was buried just 2 weeks previous. The nurse called my name and Dr. Brian did the routine of questions and the physical exam. My body, it seems, was recovering well from the trauma of childbirth.
ReplyDeleteThen, he sat down in his chair, looked me straight in the eye and asked:
“Now, how are you really doing?” That relational aspect made all the difference; he gave me twice the time normally allotted for an appointment. I felt healing begin....
...until, as I left his office, his nurse, Mary commented: “He has other patients you know!”
That unfiltered remark could have ripped the wound open; grace did not allow that.
It is all about relationship and connection. Today Brian, Mary, and my daughter, Stacey
are united in the eternal relationship......may they pray for us.
Jackie, your soul sharing reached right into me and touched my own soul! Thank you. Miss you and look forward to the day you can return here! Shalom.
DeleteThank you, Sr. Kiddo
DeleteThanks so much, Judith and Jackie - your wisdom, words and caring compassion say so much.
ReplyDeleteRecently, my great niece, 5 year old, Jojo, got a sliver in her foot, imbedded just at the base of her big toe.
ReplyDeleteIt was very irritating and it hurt when she walked. Her mom and dad assessed the situation and prepared to try to ‘dig it out’. She protested wildly and took refuge in her room.
A short time later, mom and dad offered again, but she declined, informing them that she had asked God to ‘make it fade!’ Her mom told her that she didn’t know if that would work, because sometimes God needs moms and dads to help out too. Jojo was adamant and willing to give God time to make it ‘fade’.
Two hours later she conceded.....mom and dad, with God’s help, successfully removed the sliver.
Just more proof of the power of healing through relationship! And a little girl’s first crisis of faith.