On Caring for the Sick

I have been sick enough times in my life that I understand that it is no fun. In fact, I can not stand those people who think that others who have legitimate chronic illnesses are just faking being sick to get attention or to enjoy a day or two off. As someone who has been sick a lot I can tell you that there is no enjoyment in that day off. But as someone who is constantly sick, I feel like I have not done nearly enough for those who get sick in my own community.

¹Care of the sick must rank above and before all else, so that they may truly be served as Christ, ²for he said: I was sick and you visited me (Matt 25:36), ³and, What you did for one of these least brothers you did for me (Matt 25:40). ⁴Let the sick on their part bear in mind that they are served out of honor for God, and let them not by their excessive demands distress their brothers who serve them. ⁵Still, sick brothers must be patiently borne with, because serving them leads to a greater reward. ⁶Consequently, the abbot should be extremely careful that they suffer no neglect.

⁷Let a separate room be designated for the sick, and let them be served by an attendant who is God-fearing, attentive and concerned. ⁸The sick may take baths whenever it is advisable, but the healthy, and especially the young, should receive permission less readily. ⁹Moreover, to regain their strength, the sick who are very weak may eat meat, but when their health improves, they should all abstain from meat as usual.

¹⁰The abbot must take the greatest care that cellarers and those who serve the sick do not neglect them, for the shortcomings of disciples are his responsibility.(The Rule of Saint Benedict Ch. 36)

St. Benedict places a special emphasis on caring for the sick - he says that caring for the sick ranks above all else. This - to my mind - bring up images of the Order of St. John and how the various orders operate ambulance services and other services throughout the world. And while it is certainly a worthy cause to care for the sick all over the world, I believe that we should not lose focus on the sick in our own communities.

Obviously, St. Benedict was writing about caring for the sick in a small community - a monastery. Our own small community could be our parish, or even our neighborhoods. I admit that I do not know my neighbors or my fellow parishioners nearly as well as I should - which is my own fault, really. But I should be making more of an effort especially to care for the sick beyond just muttering a quick prayer - though often that is all that I can do. And I should do more, not merely because St. Benedict says so and I try to follow his Rule, bu also because Christ implores us to.

We have many examples of Christ healing the sick and suffering, even to those that others considered unclean. Granted, I can not work miracles - at least to my knowledge - but I can sit with the sick. I can help them around the house. I can cook for them or bring them meals. Most assuredly I can pray for them.

We see many examples throughout Christian history of others ministering to the sick, so shouldn't I be following that example? I shouldn't expect other to come care for me when I am sick if I am not willing to do the same - though I am grateful for those who do. I should be more charitable to the sick than I have been.

Pray for me, a sinner.