Editor:
The thought of the world scares many people. But it doesn’t have to. Jesus indicated in Matthew’s Gospel that it would concern only five simple questions. Did you help the hungry, the thirsty, the sick, the old and the troubled?
In our day it is easy to help the hungry and the thirsty through food banks and missionary activity in places like Africa or the Caribbean. Helping the sick, the old and the troubled may require more thought.
I suggest a wonderful way to handle these problems. We have many nursing homes in the towns around us. The number one problem in all of them is loneliness. Physical pain and chronic disease is there for sure. But the overwhelming problem for most is loneliness.
We can’t solve all of the patient’s problems. But we can alleviate some. The idea comes from Jesus carrying His cross. Simon of Cyrene was asked to help carry the cross. It did not change the outcome of the crucifixion. But it helped a little to ease the pain. All of us are called to help ease the pain of suffering.
I suggest an occasional visit to one or more patients in a nursing home. Whether you know these people or not, a short visit (15 minutes or so) does wonders for their spirit. Children of all ages are especially welcome.
Some people volunteer to help with activities, such as bingo. But the best thing is visiting to let them know that someone cares. You can initiate your own nursing home visit (especially if you know someone personally.) Or you can contact your parish for more information. You will get more out of it than you put into it. And you will have no trouble when the Lord comes and asks his questions.
William T. Schneider
Voorhees
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