In his message for World Day of the Sick, Pope Francis touches on one of the most difficult topics that I, and many Christians, struggle with – the role of suffering, writes Brigid Meney. Source: The Catholic Weekly.
It is not a topic Francis has ever shied away from. In 2015, one of his most powerful addresses was when meeting the families of gravely ill children and he asked the question, “Why do the innocent suffer?”.
It was powerful not because he answered the question, but because he didn’t. There is a certain mystery to the suffering many in the world experience that even our theological leadership cannot fully comprehend.
But in this year’s message, he delves into how suffering can be a call for response, an opportunity for encounter, and an occasion to remind us all of our shared enrichment, when it is answered with care, accompaniment and hope.
He goes as far to talk about the gifts of suffering, something that on first read, can be hard to stomach. The hope and closeness to God that is likely to be found in the darkest of places.
This forms the basis of Catholic health care’s mission not just in Australia, but globally. Suffering may be a human condition, but we do not have to accept the isolation, despair, and hopelessness that can permeate it. We all can respond.
My social media is flooded with requests for prayers and assistance lately, whether they be friends or community groups.
Many people are struggling with the rising cost of living, the provision of affordable housing, the mounting bills and the family strains these can manifest.
At Catholic Health Australia, we know that these struggles are deeply entwined with community health and wellbeing.
Our own advocacy has had to become far more wide-reaching to address the systemic struggles faced by many. Our services could, for instance, treat an infection and provide good pastoral and spiritual care, but if a person is returning to unstable housing arrangements, unable to afford medication, such a treatment is temporary at best.
In the upcoming federal election, CHA will be advocating for systemic policy changes.
Brigid Meney is director of strategy and mission at Catholic Health Australia
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We need policy changes to deliver for the sick (By Brigid Meney, The Catholic Weekly)
