The Sunday Mail
EVERY year, many countries commemorate the World Day of the Sick on February 11, which promotes the care of sick people and recognising the work rendered by care workers.
The World Day of the Sick was promulgated by Pope John Paul II on May 13, 1992. Since 1993, the global commemorations have been held annually.
As the coronavirus continues to wreak havoc across the globe, the commemorations have apparently become very important.
Befittingly, this year’s theme principally focuses on a trust-based relationship to guide care for the sick.
“A society is all the more human to the degree it cares effectively for its most frail and suffering members, in a spirit of fraternal love”, the Pope said.
Crucially, there is need to fight hypocrisy and self-idolatry. On the need to avoid self-idolatry, the Pope emphasised that Jesus does not condone those who preach without practice.
“Jesus asks us to stop and listen, to establish a direct and special relationship with others, to feel empathy and compassion, and to let their suffering become our own as we seek to serve them,” the Pope said in the message released by the Vatican.
The Church observes the day as an opportunity to devote special attention to the sick as well as caregivers both in healthcare, within families and communities.
He expressed his spiritual closeness and the “Church’s loving concern” for those suffering the coronavirus pandemic, especially the poor and the marginalised.
“Sickness makes us realise our own vulnerability and our innate need for others. It raises the question of life’s meaning, which we bring before God in faith,” Pope Francis said.
In this context, the Pope figuratively brought to fore the biblical Job as a model. Job was abandoned by his wife and friends in times of sickness.
But Job religiously rejected hypocrisy and chose the path of honesty towards God and others. God heard Job’s cries and confirmed that his suffering was not a punishment, but certainly a test of faith.
Pope Francis observed the coronavirus pandemic as exacerbating the already dire healthcare inequalities in the care of the sick, especially the elderly, weak and vulnerable populations.
By Wednesday, there were 107 639 508 confirmed cases, 79 556 848 recoveries and 2 358 130 deaths worldwide.
Equally, the pandemic has also clearly highlighted the dedication and generosity of healthcare workers, volunteers, priests, men and women of religion.
“Such closeness is a precious balm that provides support and consolation to the sick in their suffering,” the Pope remarked.
He appreciated such closeness as a sign of the love of Jesus Christ, the Good Samaritan, who draws near with compassion to every man and women hounded by sin.
Sadly, over 10 percent of global infections are accounted for by healthcare workers, according to the World Health Organisation.
The Pope passionately implored the community to be merciful like the Father. And unconditionally love the frail, infirm, suffering brothers and sisters especially those in need.
He also highlighted the importance of “fraternal solidarity” towards our neighbours, which generally comes in various forms.
“Serving means caring for the vulnerable of our families, our society, and our people. People are called to set aside personal wishes and desires and help the vulnerable”, the Pope equipped.
For a therapy to be effective, the Pope said: “it must be rational, as it enables a holistic approach to the patient”.
Accordingly, healing ought to be grounded in a trusting interpersonal relationship. Such a trajectory can surely help doctors, nurses, professionals and volunteers in caring for the sick.
“A relationship between the sick and carers, based on mutual trust and respect, openness and availability will help to overcome defensive attitudes, respect the dignity of the sick, safeguard the professionalism of health workers and foster a good relationship with the families of the patients.
“Jesus proves this by healing not by magic, but as the result of an encounter, an interpersonal relationship,” the Pope concluded.
According to the World Health Organisation, health is a state of complete mental, physical, spiritual and social well-being.
Historically, health care was extensively rooted in religion, with almost all religions promoting the welfare of sick people in society.
To this end, the church crucially plays a significant role in ensuring the spiritual well-being of people. And healthcare systems equally contribute to the physical and mental aspects of humanity.
As we commemorate World Day of the Sick, let us stay at home, wear masks properly, practise good hand hygiene and observe social distancing.
Everisto Mapfidze is a registered general nurse who holds a Bsc Honours in Sociology (UZ). For comments and feedback: Whatsapp 263774042111 or Facebook: Health Talk with Everisto Mapfidze.
