Let’s wrap up JP2’s treatment of The Sick and the Suffering and then take our break from this series for Triduum and early Easter.
On the Church’s part-as it reads in the Apostolic Letter Salvifici Doloris-“Born in the mystery of Redemption in the Cross of Christ, the Church has to try to meet man in a special way on the path of suffering. In this meeting man ‘becomes the way for the Church’, and this is one of the most important ways.”[John Paul II, Salvifici Doloris 3] At this moment the suffering individual is the way of the Church because that person is, first of all, the way of Christ Himself, who is the Good Samaritan who “does not pass by”, but “has compassion on him, went to him … bound up his wounds … took care of him” (Luke 10:32-34).
Pope Francis has also written extensively on the parable cited here in chapter two (sections 56-86) of 2020’s Fratelli Tutti.
From century to century the Christian community in revealing and communicating its healing love and the consolation of Jesus Christ has reenacted the gospel parable of the Good Samaritan in caring for the vast multitude of persons who are sick and suffering. This came about through the untiring commitment of all those who have taken care of the sick and suffering as a result of science and the medical arts as well as the skilled and generous service of healthcare workers. Today there is an increase in the presence of lay women and men in Catholic hospital and healthcare institutions. At times the lay faithful’s presence in these institutions is total and exclusive. It is to just such people-doctors, nurses, other healthcare workers, volunteers-that the call becomes the living sign of Jesus Christ and his Church in showing love towards the sick and suffering.
Even as John Paul II writes of the redemptive character of illness and suffering, it is important to remember that the Christian calling is to assist others in need. Preaching to people to urge them to see their trials and meaningful may not be the first and best way to spread the Gospel. Showing love can be companionship without treatment, but the example of the Lord is quite clear. When a person asked for healing, he granted it. Modern medicine gives us the ability to treat many illnesses. We take advantage of that and treat as many people as humanly possible.
The seriously ill believer may experience a pilgrimage in their journey. That path may lead to a restoration of well-being. It might involve a transition to a changed life–something more healthy, more careful, or more intentional about self-care. It might also be a movement toward death. We are called to bear such burdens and find meaning. When we encounter such a person, we are called to spread the Gospel. We offer listening, hope, care, confidence, and relief. Then we become the living sign of Christ the Healer and the ministry of the entire Church, especially the laity who are the primary caregivers of the sick.
Catholic Sensibility 