Issue 43.12
We are sometimes perplexed as to what to do when we are faced with the responsibility of caring for a sick or ill relative or friend. This is especially true when that person has a terminal illness. Our mind and heart are flooded with anxious thoughts like: What can I do? How can I help? What does the person need or want?
We want to be of service to our loved one, but where do we start. How can we decide what action to take and what will best serve the person? We have a great example from the Gospels on how to treat people.
Matthew’s Gospel tells how Jesus healed the blind beggar who cried out to him for relief and healing. Jesus stopped, listened, looked on the blind man with compassion and then touched him.
Jesus made a difference in people’s lives by the way he interacted with them. We too can make a difference in people’s lives by following this simple formula for care-giving:
1) Stop – taking the time to be with the sick person. What makes a difference in people’s lives is spending some time with them.
2) Listen – Most sick people just want someone to listen to them. Compassionate listening can provide comfort and healing to the sick. A listening ear is a healing ear.
3) Look – the Greek word, “look” used in the gospel story means to “attend to.” This is not just physical seeing, but looking with the purpose of serving the individual’s need.
4) Touch – Jesus touched the blind man. Human touch is a source of healing and comfort to all of us. This is especially true when we are sick. The simple touch of a loved one is so meaningful and precious to us when we are ill.
Jesus also had a very simple and direct way of finding out what the desire of the sick person was. He frequently asked the question: “What would you have me do for you?” He willingly surrendered himself in service to do whatever the person wanted and took the action to fulfill their desire.
Care-giving can be a joyful experience when we give compassion service to another person by following the Master’s example: Stop, Listen, Look, and Touch.
Rev. Luigi Persichetti is the chaplain for Southern Utah Home Care and Hospice and retired Unity minister from Unity Center of Positive Living in St. George.