It causes "problems, because of human weakness. Yet, in general, times of illness strengthen family ties." At yesterday's General Audience, Pope Francis spoke at length about the rapport between the family and illness, stressing the importance of "educating children, from an early age, to solidarity in times of sickness," because "an education that avoids sensitivity to human illness dries up the heart" and "means that children are 'anesthetized' to the suffering of others, and unable to deal with the suffering and experience of limitation."
"In the context of family ties, the illness of the people we love—reflected the Pope—is felt with greater pain and anguish. Love makes us feel this greater sensitivity. Often, for a mother and a father, it is more difficult to bear the suffering of a son, a daughter, than their own. The family has always been the closest 'hospital'." How many times—he continued—do we see a man or a woman coming to work 'with a tired face' because he or she had to care for a child, a loved one, during the night, and despite the fatigue continues with the work during the day." This, according to the Pope, is "the heroism of families": "hidden heroism" manifested "when someone is sick, a father, mother, son, daughter... And this is done with tenderness and courage."
"The Christian community—Francis noted—knows that the family should not be left alone in the trial of illness. And we must thank the Lord for the beautiful experiences of ecclesial fraternity that helps families through difficult times of pain and suffering. This Christian proximity, between families, is a real treasure for the parish, a treasure of wisdom that helps families in difficult times." The Church, the Pope concluded, has the task of "helping the sick, without getting lost in conversation, always helping, consoling, lifting, being close to the sick," and the prayer for them "should be unceasing."
