In his message for World Day of the Sick on February 11, Pope Francis emphasized the true foundation of meaningful relationships is the trust especially in caring the sick people amidst the global pandemic.
The Pope expressed that one of the ways to heal and build a fraternal relationship towards one another is to become genuine in one’s intentions in order to resist the attitudes of hypocrisy and self-idolatry.
“He [Jesus] asks us to stop and listen, to establish a direct and personal relationship with others, to feel empathy and compassion, and to let their suffering become our own as we seek to serve them (cf. Lk 10:30-35),” the pope said in his message.
According to Pope Francis, the 29th World Day of the Sick is a chance to develop more spiritual closeness from those who are deeply affected in the coronavirus pandemic. Most especially, the people who are diligently serving the frontlines despite the difficult circumstances they have faced in the past year. Also, this includes the vulnerable sector especially the poor and marginalized who have been neglected for their needs.
The Holy Father affirmed that the example of compassion and hospitality showed by the Good Samaritan is a challenge to every faithful which gives them hope to comfort who are more susceptible to suffering.
“We experience this closeness not only as individuals but also as a community. Indeed, fraternal love in Christ generates a community of healing, a community that leaves no one behind, a community that is inclusive and welcoming, especially to those most in need,” he added.
The Supreme Pontiff is hopeful that the societies of today may have a healthy interpersonal relationships guided with mutual respect, trust, understanding and sensitivity from the professionals, nurses, doctors in providing extra care to all sick people.
“A society is all the more human to the degree that it cares effectively for its most frail and suffering members, in a spirit of fraternal love. Let us strive to achieve this goal, so that no one will feel alone, excluded or abandoned.” (Hazel Joy Boquiren/RCAM-AOC)
