Papal message reflects on mystery of suffering and sickness
December 20, 2010
In his annual message for the World Day of the Sick, Pope Benedict XVI acknowledges that “suffering remains charged with mystery, and is difficult for us to accept and to bear."
The Holy Father offers an insight on the mystery of suffering that he had when he visited Turin in May: “I had the opportunity to pause in reflection and prayer before the Holy Shroud, before that suffering face which invites us to meditate upon the One Who took upon Himself the passion of mankind in all times and places, including our own sufferings, difficulties and sins.” We may not be able to understand suffering, the Pope continued, but we can imitate St. Thomas the apostle, who did not understand the Resurrection, and at first could not accept it, but came to believe and trust in Christ.
The Pope in his message thanks all health-care workers, and encourages civic leaders and Church personnel to redouble efforts to ease the suffering of the sick.
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