Caring for Sick Family Member

As we celebrate the 33rd World Day of the Sick on February 11, 2025, the church invites us to be pilgrims of hope for our sick brothers and sisters. Furthermore, Pope Francis encourages us to reflect on how God remains close to those who are suffering and also how God use other people to lighten the burden of those who are sick.

Indeed, it is difficult to be sick especially when it is a prolonged illness that not only drains you physically, emotionally but also financially. As family members, we can share their burdens but there are times we are also helpless. All we could do is care for them and try to ease their feeling of suffering. It’s nice if we can spend quality time with sick family members and if we are able help them financially also. With that we can be angels and messengers of God’s hope for one another. That was also cited by Pope Francis in his message for this year’s World Day of the Sick.

I also had my share of illness and I thank God for the support of family and friends. A good support group is very important for they give hope and encouragement that ease my suffering.

Giving hope to a sick family member is a gift from God. We could share to them that the Lord is faithful and that even in their suffering He is with them.

Dear Lord, please be with us in times of sickness. Ease our suffering and give us hope.

May you gift us with caring medical personnel and family members. As they share their time, talent and treasures with us, may you continue to bless them and that they be a beacon of hope to others. Amen.

“The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness, you restore him to full health.” – Psalm 41:3