Caring For The Sick

CARING FOR THE SICK

Buddy Cagurangan

CARING FOR THE SICK is LOVE IN ACTION.

          To love means to sacrifice.  Caring for the sick demands a lot of sacrifice.  This sacrifice may be categorized into three: physical, psychological and financial.

First is the Physical Sacrifice.  In caring for the sick one has often to give up a lot of rest and sleep.  Sometimes one has to give up even taking meals and snacks at the usual time.

Second is the Psychological Sacrfice.  A lot of patience and understanding is needed to cater to the needs of the patient.  Since the patient is not in his normal state of health, there is a need to be ever alert in serving him in his physical necessities and in trying to relieve him of physical pains.

Third is the Financial Sacrifice.   Medicines and medical treatment cost a lot.  Though some expenses may be covered by financial benefits from the PhilHealth and other Health Care entities, there are still many expenses that have to be shouldered.  Hence, the financial obligations have to be carried.

       While caring for the sick demands a lot of sacrifice, it should however be seen positively as an OPPORTUNITY TO MANIFEST LOVE.  One’s willingness to make sacrifices physically, psychologically, and financially is certainly an ACT OF LOVE.

        

        Performing these acts of love without expecting anything in return are certainly praiseworthy in fulfillment of Christ’s command:  “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (Jn. 13:34-35).

By: Buddy Cagurangan

August 19, 2012