Utterly Helpless

These words from The Rule of Life of SSJE* spoke clearly to me on the “Challenge of Sickness”: The fragility of human life makes sickness inevitable.  When it befalls us we are to seek res­toration and play our full part in the process of healing.  This means radical dependence on Christ through our own prayer, the prayer of the community and our friends, and his ministry of healing mediated through the sacramental rite of Laying on of Hands and Anointing.  It involves our ready acceptance of medical means of healing.Sickness may compel us to be dependent on the care of others.  This may conflict with our pride and challenge our notion of self-sufficiency.  We are called to let go and accept the service of others gracefully.  It is an important expression of our vow of obedience to be open and cooperative with those who are looking after us in sickness.  Those who care for the sick should cherish this opportunity of service and realize that their cari