During my studies for priesthood in the early 1970s, one social responsibility that some of us had decided upon was to visit the Army hospital in Pune. On Sunday afternoon we would cycle over 10 km to visit the recuperating wounded soldiers. Some were then fresh from the then East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) war. It was perplexing for the soldiers to see us. They would say, “young men like you on a Sunday afternoon, instead of watching a film or enjoying some sport or other entertainment, how come you spend your precious time visiting us”?
“‘Love your neighbour as yourself’, is one of Jesus’ central teachings”, we would answer. “He taught us, among other things, to feed the hungry and thirsty; visit the sick and those in prison; clothe the naked and provide roof to the homeless…”, we would add. Being away from the family in the battlefield and now in the hospital, such a visit obviously brought them much needed cheer. A prayer with them before leaving was like the icing on the cake.
Last Sunday we celebrated “International Day of the Poor” in our churches when along with prayers, funds too were collected. While there are numerous projects for the poor by the government, NGOs and religious charities, one rarely comes across an institute that organises visits to sick people. One reason I guess is the impression that their family members visit them. One would be surprised to find how far that is from the truth and how very lonely the sick in hospitals are.
The other reason for not visiting the sick may be because it is considered as nothing to do with religion or spirituality. One would rather prefer going to a temple, a mosque, a gurdwara or a church. Mother Teresa, however, taught the world to see and touch the face of God in the suffering person. For her to visit or serve the suffering and the sick was to meet Jesus.
Moreover, sick people often question and sometimes even blame God for their sickness and sufferings. Our visit by listening to their stories of pain can reassure them of God’s loving care and concern through us. Would that not be as good, if not better, than visiting a holy place? And regardless of which religion one may belong to, a prayer with the sick person as a parting gesture can bring them a sort of divine soothing that they may desperately need at the time.
And finally, a visit to the sick brings joy and consolation not only to the person visited but also showers of abundant blessings on the visitor. For, as Jesus said, “…when you do this to the least of my brother/sister, you do it to me.” How about then turning to the sick to find God in them?
