Theme of sickness in St Faustina’s Diary

had prayed for a long time. I answered, “But it was not to You, Jesus, but to that patient that I rendered this service.” And the Lord answered me, Yes, My daughter, but whatever you do for your neighbor, you do for Me.

In these six selected passages from St Faustina’s Diary there is surely much to be said regarding the sick person and the time of sickness. The sick person resembles Christ when s/he offers his/her suffering for the conversion of sinners. Thus, the time of sickness can be one of expiation with, in and through Christ for the benefit of all. Furthermore, the sick person can grow in his/her complete trust in God. So, the time of sickness can be a tough yet fruitful lesson in one’s abandonment in God’s saving will. Moreover, it is never late for the sick person to reconcile of Reconciliation. When entirely united with Christ the sick person is a bold winning warrior in the spiritual battle s/he is engaged with. Therefore, the time of sickness is a golden opportunity for the person to keep warring till the very end by relying on God’s ever faithful grace. The sick person is greatly strenghtened in his/ her spiritual combat by the Sacrament of the Eucharist. So, the time of sickness can bring for the sick person a new appreciation of this Sacrament of Sacraments. Finally, the sick person embodies Christ himself. Therefore, and as Pope Francis incessantly teaches, time spent helping the sick is a holy time indeed.

What great theological and spiritual insights the Lord has endowed me with as I studied the theme of sickess in St Faustina’s Diary! I praise you Lord Jesus

Fr Mario Attard OFM Cap

Ethics & Health Care by Marisa Galea Vella