Discovering the True Spiritual Path of Oahspe Part II. The Highest Light of Oahspe Chapter 1 Good Works §3: What Are the Guiding Principles of Good Works? (9)
Caring for the Sick
One could aptly state that the essence of spirituality, the essence of salvation and self-judgment, is to use as much of our spare time as possible in assisting those suffering from significant pain or misfortune. It is a case of those who have the power to aid, being healthy and strong, must discover the will to be able to dig down deeply in order to give to those who cannot care for themselves.
Just as our parents took care of us, whether we were sick or well, those within our reach who are facing medical challenges, will need to be cared for in terms of food, bathing, shopping, and household chores. Those who are suffering could be experiencing various physical ailments, from seasonal influenza, being wheelchair bound, aged weakness, blind or some other form of handicap calamities.
This is an easier service to undertake when we are helping thosek who are in our immediate family. Naturally we love our inner circle the more closely as they are a part of our own life. Helping our family members would be the most fulfilling in that sense and bring feelings of mutually-supportive to love to all involved. Such work is also heaven’s work.
But what of those being seriously ill who are our neighbors, less
than close friends, colleagues, or complete strangers?
If those in
these cases are suffering, will we walk away rationalizing that in time someone surely, perhaps their close relatives, will rescue the suffering individuals?
There are always reasons to NOT help others in need. For example, the afflicted are weak and not in a good mood, and so perhaps unpleasant to be around. The help they require can be very physical and exhausting such as the need to lift them into and out of beds or wheel chairs — or unpleasant — such as changing bed pans, or lifting them on and off toilets.
Yet Oahspe emphasizes the point that our missions in life demand that we take on any and all burdens where we learn we can be “making the difference” where a human being’s life is at stake.
To serve thy God, is to work for others, especially the sick and helpless, and not for thyself. (Judgment 16:4) *6
The sixth commandment, which is:
For the sick I will provide, and
for the woman with a new born child. (Lord’s 1st; 3:45) *6
Additionally, the sick in distress will have more than just physical needs. Their weakened condition may have worsened their mental
and emotional well-being, due to their isolation from others. How often do we hear of those in current times, especially the aged, dying from the pandemic-enforced isolation in hospital wards or in their very homes? To be sure working to strengthen and encourage the spirit of those in pain is the very first and best medicine one can offer, the sharing our of our caring. Even if one is not physically sick, there can be little doubt that a wonderful good thing has been achieved by sharing our love and encouragement wherever and whenever possible. How much more so would not those in weakened states—being very prone to despair—absolutely benefit from cheerful conversation, handshakes and embraces (when safely possible)? Therefore, no one should delay their responsibility to assisting those in pain and misery. For none of us is greater nor lesser before God Almighty. We are simply the children of the universe who must turn to every spiritual source and inspiration so that those who are afflicted may receive their rejuvenation and their innate happiness that extends beyond all circles to every person, community and nation. To visit the sick and distressed, the helpless and blind, and to relieve them; to provide for the widow and orphan, and keep thyself unspotted before men; these are the way of redemption. (Eskra 44:21) *6