“Come to me, all you who labour and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28)

Those who are sick expect love: so Pope Francis in the Message for the World Day of the Sick 2020

“Come to me, all you who labour and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28)

"Jesus does not make demands of those who endure situations of frailty, suffering and weakness, but offers his mercy and his comforting presence. He looks upon a wounded humanity with eyes that gaze into the heart of each person". So Pope Francis in the XXVIII Message for the World Day of the Sick, published today and which will be celebrated on February 11th.

In fact, Jesus loves because - he still remembers the Holy Father - "He himself became frail, endured human suffering and received comfort from his Father". 

And speaking, specifically of those who live the experience of the disease, he adds: "At times human warmth is lacking in our approach to these. What is needed is a personalized approach to the sick, not just of curing but also of caring, in view of an integral human healing. In experiencing illness, individuals not only feel threatened in their physical integrity, but also in the relational, intellectual, affective and spiritual dimensions of their lives. For this reason, in addition to therapy and support, they expect care and attention. In a word, love. At the side of every sick person, there is also a family, which itself suffers and is in need of support and comfort"

Jesus, therefore, concludes Francis, "urges you: “Come to me”. In him, you will find strength to face all the worries and questions that assail you during this “dark night” of body and soul. Christ did not give us prescriptions, but through his passion, death and resurrection he frees us from the grip of evil".

03 January 2020