—John, homebound volunteer

Reflections from a Priest

“Be Christ to others and see Christ in others”—I visited a parish rectory in Harrisburg about five years ago. When I entered the rectory there was an inscription on the wall at the entrance that read; “Be Christ to others and see Christ in others.” I meditate on these words every morning, every moment. I wake up every day thinking of how I portray myself so that people can see Christ in me and also be able to see the face of Christ in every person I meet.

“Be Christ to others and see Christ in others” has become my guiding principle. It has helped me to look at myself, love myself, and care for myself. In loving and caring for myself then l can love and care for others.

I see the face of Christ in the people I meet and minister to. They offer me the opportunity to be a good person that The Lord wants me to be. It also helps me to accept with humility my biases and work towards relating well with all manner of people.

In one of my visits to Fairfax hospital I encountered an elderly patient in her late eighties. I visited this lady every day throughout her days at the hospital. She had all the time requested to receive the Holy Communion but unfortunately for her, she was not to receive anything by mouth till her procedure was done. I saw the desperation in her eyes for the fact that she could not receive the Body of Christ. In one of my visits she said, “Why was l insisting on receiving communion when you were here in the person of Christ visiting me?” That was a profound moment for me. It was a moment of learning and growth in faith. She became my teacher and a preacher reminding me of what l have always believed in; “Be Christ to others and see Christ in others.”

The faith experience of patients and their families has given the opportunity to also reflect about practical theology. For them, their experience of God is seen in the presence of the chaplain who visits, administers the sacraments, shares words of comfort and affirmation and prayer. It is not only chaplains who provide emotional and spiritual support to patients and their families but also the hospital staff; Doctors, Nurses, Surgeons, Therapists, Technicians, Volunteers, Housekeepers etc., become the face of Christ to patients.   —Father Tony, Northern Virginia

Reflections from a Caregiver

The hour of death has been referred to as the most important time in one’s life. We can enter into this vestibule of heaven more intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually prepared by relying on Catholic Church teachings. This earthly journey which we all are destined to take actually begins at the moment of conception and completes its full circle at the actual hour of our death, (Amen).

As the infirmed Child of God returns home to their loving Father, their world gradually becomes very simple. Frequently, the scenario of the dying person is pruned down to the cross of the hospital bed and at its foot, a loved one. Our Christian faith provides us a template on how this might present itself and by leaning into Mother Church, we are never alone. Our Blessed Mother is eager to hasten by our side and accompany us at this precious time by surrounding us with many graces as we request and require.

As our loved ones prepare for their solo journey home, let us not forget to ask for and accept this help as we step into deeper waters of God’s endless Mercy. By joining oneself to the Tree of Life, Jesus’ Cross, we ironically will find our own life as we become more One with Him, the Author of Life.    —Betty, Northern Virginia

Redemptive Suffering

In this interview conducted by Catholic Diocese of Arlington hospital ministry administrator, Clare Frasca, Fr. Starzynski explains the value of ‘suffering well’ as a gateway not only to our own redemption, but also as a conduit from which graces flow from (via dolorosa) into the world.

In this book, authored by Diana Ruzicka, RN, former president of the National Catholic Nursing Association, the concepts of redemptive suffering are explored. This book will help with the understanding of redemptive suffering in the life of the Church by allowing one’s suffering to be united to Christ as a vessel to bring about grace, peace, and joy. Presentation on Redemptive Suffering – permission granted to display here by Diana Ruzicka, RN.

When I’m Dying, Please Do This—An article published by CatholicMom.com on the wonder, integrity, splendor, and awe of redemptive suffering.

Finding Beauty In Our Suffering / The God of Our Brokenness—A beautiful talk on redemptive suffering by Fr. Mike Schmitz.

Watch “Finding Grace and Faith in the Face of Death: Insights from Dr. Paul Chaloux”