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The
source of human dignity lies in the reality that God became man to save
us and calls us into communion with him. The Good Samaritan, who goes
out of his way to aid an injured man, shows us what it really means to
fulfill the commandment to love our neighbors. Despite our best efforts,
it can sometimes be difficult to recognize the profound value of human
life when we see its full weakness and fragility. Yet, the faithful care
of human life until its natural end is entrusted to every person.
Death
is a decisive moment in our encounter with God the Savior. Helping our
neighbor to prepare for this moment is a supreme act of charity,
encompassing the patient with the solid support of human relationships
to accompany them and help them be open to hope. The Church learns from
the example of the Good Samaritan how to care for those who are sick or
dying, respecting and defending every human life. Each of us is invited
to imitate the Samaritan’s example, to “Go and do likewise” (Lk 10:37).
The
Good Samaritan shows us that our relationship with our suffering
neighbor should embrace the qualities of attention, listening,
understanding, compassion, and accompaniment. We need to learn how to
look upon our own existence and that of others and to recognize that
every human existence is a unique and unrepeatable wonder, one to be
received and welcomed as a gift. We are invited to “remain” at the side
of a suffering person, as the Blessed Mother and the beloved disciple
remained at the foot of the Cross. Their example provides a way to
understand that, even when it seems that there is nothing more to do,
there is much to do—because “remaining” by the side of the sick is a
sign of love and of the hope that it contains. Healed by Jesus, we
become men and women called to proclaim his healing power and provide
care for our neighbors, until the very end.
Reflection adapted from “The Witness of the Good Samaritan: Palliative Care and Hospice.” Scriptural excerpts from NABRE © 2010 CCD. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
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