Reflections for the World Day of the Sick

(February 11.2012) Polish Archbishop Zygmunt Zimowski, President of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Health Care Workers spoke of the Church’s concern for the sick as an integral part of her belief in the sacred character of every human being. He made his reflections in a message to the Vatican newspaper, Osservatore Romano, on the occasion of the World Day of the Sick, Saturday. The work of the civil community in the health care sector was much to be appreciated though it left much to be desired. The Archbishop highlighted the sacrament of the sick which brought healing of soul and body as part of the sacramental life of the Church which deeply influences man. It is the blessing of God since creation that continues to exercise its power and efficacy throughout human existence. The anointing of the sick leads us to contemplate the mystery of the garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus accepted the way of suffering carved out for him by the Father. In the footsteps of the Master his disciples also accept the suffering that is part of human existence. Suffering is like a daily baptism, tracing a life of conversion which finds its fulfilment in the Eucharist. And which will find its crowning in the final events of human existence