Fr. Ferdinando Colombo: Visiting the Sick
Actualizing the works of mercy through the eyes of Fr. Ferdinando Colombo
Among the seven works of corporal mercy, “visiting the sick” takes on a very special prominence, since making oneself close to those who suffer represents a profound and emblematic way of approaching – in Pope Francis’ expression – the living and aching flesh of Christ Jesus.
Servant of the suffering
The immediate Gospel reference goes to the parable of the “Good Samaritan” (Lk 10:25-37), an icon of Jesus, who took on our infirmities redeeming us from sin, death and their consequences, of which suffering in all its forms – in the biblical reading are the sign. An icon of Jesus and at the same time – like the other works of mercy – a credible sign of incarnation and discernment about the authenticity of personal profession of faith in the Risen Crucified One and love of God and neighbor, especially the weak, poor, and suffering (1 John 3:23-24).
More, in visiting the sick according to the heart of Christ Jesus, it assimilates us to Him and, like Him, girding the apron in serving the suffering people. It assimilates us to Him as “Christus medicus” of souls and bodies.
A man was coming down from Jerusalem toward Jericho when he encountered highwaymen. They took everything from him, clubbed him, and then went away, leaving him half dead. By chance a priest passed by; he saw the wounded man, passed across the road and went on. A Levite from the Temple also passed by that way; he saw him, shunned him and went on. Instead, a man from Samaria, who was traveling, passed by him, saw him and had compassion on him. He went near him, poured oil and wine on his wounds and bandaged them. Then she loaded him on her donkey, took him to an inn and did all she could to help him. The next day he took out two silver coins, gave them to the innkeeper and said, “Take care of him, and if you spend more I will pay when I return.”
My neighbor
In the dialogue between Jesus and the doctor of the law, both agree that love for God and neighbor is the necessary condition for inheriting eternal life. The issue becomes more delicate when it comes to deciding “who is my neighbor.” And to explain this, Jesus tells the parable. He sees, he stops, he feels compassion. That is, he feels involved. Compassion, then, not as mere emotion, but an action that produces care for the other. Jesus therefore invites the doctor of the law – and us today – to enter into the logic of the parable. To act like the Samaritan. To ask not so much “who is my neighbor” (as if I can choose who to help), but “to whom should I be neighbor” (and thus to everyone starting with those around me). That good Samaritan is Jesus. He is the One who passing along the path of history noticed how badly off humanity was. He approached us to the point of becoming one of us, Man. He took upon His shoulders our lives, so battered because of sin. He took care. And starting with Jesus, each of us is called today to “do likewise.” Each Christian Community is called “to do the same.” If only because Jesus did it for us: “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). To love our neighbor is to love God Himself. (Parish of St. Mary of the Assumption-Bibione)
The other before me
The expression “to visit the sick,” then, carries at least three further meanings. First, the verb “to visit” refers to concretely making oneself present to the other, not in words, but in deeds, even and especially when it costs sacrifice, considering what Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta – a favorite icon of Pope Bergoglio’s in the Jubilee Year of Mercy – affirmed regarding every gesture of charity toward one’s neighbor that, if it does not cost money, risks being worth very little in God’s eyes.
Secondly, “visiting” also speaks of a non-episodicity of mercy, in the sense that it does not stop at the single act of charity but seeks, in all possible ways, continuity, systematicity, organization, as the parable mentioned earlier shows. In fact, not only does the Good Samaritan provide initial care, but he takes charge of the suffering sufferer by transporting him to a place where he can be cared for, paying out of his own pocket, committing himself to continue to be present.
Lastly: visiting means creativity in operation: presence, touch, speech, gaze, prayer. Finally, the term “infirm” implies at least two aspects. The first: infirmity is not only limited to the physical, but also the psychological, spiritual, moral. Indeed, the levels often intersect requiring a “holistic” (= comprehensive – ed.) approach according to a discernment that leads to identifying the most appropriate ways to come to the aid of that particular suffering person.
The second aspect: the sick person is an image of the Christus patiens (suffering Christ), whatever the social and economic class, nationality, religious faith, worldview. Ultimately, then, “visit- ing the sick” unveils itself as a confirmation of Christian realism, which looks at the reality of man in his entirety and wholeness as an eminent valor- re, in a key that moving from the immanence of the human condition and of pain and suffering turns its gaze toward the transcendent origin and fulfillment of man. (Dario Sacchini)
Benedict XVI who in “Spe salvi” (nos. 35-40) presents acting and suffering as places of learning hope whereby suffering accepted and offered is a miracle of love says: “I would like to add one more little note not entirely irrelevant to everyday events. It was part of a form of devotion, the thought of being able to “offer up” the little labors of everyday life, which always strike us again and again as more or less annoying pokes, thus giving them meaning. What does it mean to “offer?” These people were convinced that they could include in Christ’s great pity their small labors, which thus somehow became part of the treasury of compassion that humankind needs. Perhaps we really should ask ourselves whether such a thing might not become a sensible prospect for us as well” (40).
Isn’t suffering accepted and offered, sharing sincerely and freely, miracles of love? (Fr. Gino Oliosi)
PRAYER
O Christ, physician of bodies and souls watch over our sick and suffering brother;
and, like the Good Samaritan, pour on his wounds the oil of consolation and the wine of hope.
By the healing grace of your Spirit
illumine the difficult experience of sickness and pain, that he may be lifted up in body and soul
join us all in thanksgiving to the Father of mercies.
Thou livest and reignest for ever and ever.
Online version of the book by clicking on “The Work of Mercy – Fr. Ferdinando Colombo – browsable”
Photo
- “Le Opere di Misericordia“, fr. Ferdinando Colombo