Clear Vision - Good Heart

In our Gospel for the 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Luke 6:39-45) on the Sunday of the Sick, we hear a powerful passage where Jesus challenges us with clear images:

"Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?" (Luke 6:39)

And to emphasize it even stronger:

"You hypocrite! Remove the wooden beam from your own eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother’s eye." (Luke 6:42)

These challenging words invite us to reflect on how we view life, how we see others, and how we see ourselves. This is especially important when we encounter illness and suffering, because our perspective matters greatly: Do we respond with an open heart to the person before us, or do we let judgement, fear or selfish motives guide our actions?

Illness – A Challenge and a Test for the Heart and Vision

Dear friends,

Physical and psychological illnesses can be deeply transformative experience, sometimes pushing us to our limits. The burden of physical and mental illness weighs heavily on the heart of the afflicted. Theologically speaking, the heart is the innermost sanctuary of a human being. Those who are sick often go through a time of uncertainty, of pain and even loneliness. Often time, they feel misunderstood, judged and guilty and it seems like life has come to a complete stop. But illness is not only a challenge for the one who is sick. It is also a challenge for those who care for them, family, friends, doctors, and nurses. It demands patience, compassion, love and courage to truly accompany someone in their suffering. And naturally this raises questions about the meaning of life and the presence of a good and just God in all of it.

Removing the Beam from Our Own Eye

Jesus invites us to not remain stuck on the Theodicy question of why does a good and almighty God allow suffering in the world. (If God is good, why does he allow suffering?) Instead, He calls us to first examine our own hearts. Too often, our own worries and insecurities cloud our vision and keep us from acting responsibly. Maybe we are quick to judge the sick because we don’t really understand their suffering. Perhaps we become impatient with those in need because we ourselves feel overwhelmed. Maybe we are afraid of illness because it confronts us with our own vulnerability. Jesus calls us to remove the beam from our own eye. By this he means that we must examine our hearts, allow the life and works of Jesus to transform us, and to view others with understanding and mercy.

Of course this is not easy, it takes real courage and commitment to be deeply in touch with life itself and our neighbor. From my own experience, I can say: We cannot do this alone. We need support. A guide. A role model!

Christ as Our Role Model

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Jesus Christ is our greatest example. He is our role model. He does not keep his distance from the sick, he goes to them, he gets close to them, he touches them. Jesus heals not just the body, but the soul. He looks beyond outward appearances and sees into the depths and the needs of each person’s heart.

This is my personal experience and conviction: In Jesus Christ – no one is alone – no matter what life brings!

Healing Happens Through Love

Let me be clear, we need scientific research and medicine. But it is not only medicine that heals. Love also comforts us, transforms us. The love of God, carries us through real and rough times. The selfless and compassionate love of those who walk with us, who support and stay by our side. It is the love that we share with others.

On this Sunday of the Sick, we are remind to respond to those in need with open eyes and a merciful and loving heart.

Let us allow Jesus Christ to lead us so that we do not remain blind to the suffering of others, but instead become instruments of healing and love.

Praised be Jesus Christ