Sickness is a part of all of our lives. While we might like to be healthy all the time, in the deepest part of our being, we know it won’t happen. Is that awareness reflected in the way we live? Knowing that sickness is inevitable for us and for others, we should be supportive of others, but we know it’s not always that easy. It is very easy to hide from that reality.
When our friends, family or children are sick, we care for them. What about others for whom we are not directly responsible? It is tempting – consciously or not – to regard a sick person as a burden. Indeed, a lot of governments tend to think that way (and occasionally say so out loud).
Part of putting our Eucharistic faith into action in the community is to recognise that the community runs
broad. If we share Christ's body and blood, we declare that we are the body and blood of Christ. Of course, we can’t visit or care for everyone’s needs, but we can, perhaps, see if we can broaden our care range.
Look around. Think of people you know who are in need. Is there someone in old aged care who could do with a visit? A parishioner or an acquaintance in a hospital whose sickness has isolated them or made
them lonely? Who might you visit this week?
Reflections by Justin Glyn SJ
