When brothers and sisters are most vulnerable, we are obligated to offer the greatest care. If there is ever a time to impose our desires or our will upon others this is most certainly not the time. One’s submission to faith or a rule of life is only authentic when that submission is born of oneself. When one is sick, their bodies need care and attention must be given to physical healing. We are designed with triune nature; body, mind, and spirit. When one is ill, the other is impacted. Therefore, care of the physical is necessary for wisdom of the mind. Wisdom provides understanding for spiritual strength. An important lesson introduces this chapter; honor Christ by caring for the sick in their place of affliction.
In an age when there were no hospitals, hygiene, or knowledge of the most common ailments, Benedict prescribed care beyond the common practice of his time. The sick was separated, quarantined from the healthy. This was done to promote healing, as well as care for the welfare of the larger community. The sick where not forgotten, but special attention was given to them. They were given extra care; diets were more generous, comforts were increased, special attention was provided by the entire community. The abbot remained personally responsible for it all.
While at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, we were impacted by an influenza outbreak. We moved soldiers out of their barracks and into a dormitory just for them. They were given individual rooms so that they did not continue to infect others. We gave them special medical attention. Constantly, they were given fluids to drink and meals delivered to them. Some feared that the sick would enjoy their treatment so much that they would not want to return to work. However, the opposite occurred. They appreciated their care and wanted to make room for others who became ill. They returned to their duties quickly, fully recovered, and in high morale because they had been treated with dignity. Those who served the sick were satisfied with their work and celebrated each soldier who recovered.
Faithful care for the sick is fully expressed in Benedictine spirituality. Whether a cup of cold water, nourishing through comfort food, fresh baths, or a cool cloth on a fevered brow, these things done in the name of Christ are gifts done to our Lord Himself. We meet the hurting in the place of their hurt, the sick at the source of their sickness, and the fearful to quiet their fears. Each time we can show love we glorify God. These are the opportunities for each of us to roll our sleeves and do because of who we are becoming in Christ.
