The incarnate Son of God did not remove illness and suffering from human experience but by taking them upon himself he transformed them and gave them new meaning. New meaning because they no longer have the last word which, instead, is new and abundant life; transformed them, because in union with Christ they need no longer be negative but positive. Jesus is the way, and with his Spirit we can follow him. Just as the Father gave us the Son out of love, and the Son gave himself to us out of the same love, so we too can love others as God has loved us, giving our lives for one another. Faith in God becomes goodness, faith in the crucified Christ becomes the strength to love to the end, even our enemies. The proof of authentic faith in Christ is self-giving and the spreading of love for our neighbours, especially for those who do not merit it, for the suffering and for the marginalized.
- Message for World Day of the Sick 2014, December 6, 2013 - Pope Francis
Suffering is a reality. The news brings stories of human suffering into our living rooms. We may experience suffering first hand, in our lives or the lives of our loved ones We may not be capable of removing the reality of suffering, but we can respond. Sometimes the simplest of gestures can make an amazing difference in the lives of those who suffer. Jesus comforted those who suffered with a touch, a kind word We can do the same. We need to do the same. A Christian needs to be moved by suffering, and have the courage to respond as he did. More important, we need to leave that act of kindness in Jesus’ hand to bring healing and peace.
- Message for World Day of the Sick 2014, December 6, 2013 - Pope Francis
Suffering is a reality. The news brings stories of human suffering into our living rooms. We may experience suffering first hand, in our lives or the lives of our loved ones We may not be capable of removing the reality of suffering, but we can respond. Sometimes the simplest of gestures can make an amazing difference in the lives of those who suffer. Jesus comforted those who suffered with a touch, a kind word We can do the same. We need to do the same. A Christian needs to be moved by suffering, and have the courage to respond as he did. More important, we need to leave that act of kindness in Jesus’ hand to bring healing and peace.