INTRODUCTION
Faith and medicine are very similar — even though most people would feel that they are at odds. "Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)
We do not get to see the intricate workings of the medicine we take within our bloodstream. We do not each pay attention to a surgeon's mysterious handiwork. Nor do those of us who work with a physical therapist fully understand how doing one stretching exercise makes us feel better. We just see the results of all this science.
So much is the same with faith. We don't see with our own eyes God's Spirit at work in us. We don't fully understand how a "coincidence" happened. We don't pay attention to the intricate details of how a prayer was answered. We just see the results of the Trinity in the world.
Many people have asked me, as a person of faith, "How do I continue to work in health care, a scientific field?" For me, the answer has been simple: I bear witness firsthand to the healing power of Jesus through the ministry of Catholic health care. Sometimes, it is through miracles. Other times, it's a doctor's treatment plan. Now and again, it's the hard work of the patient to follow their therapy goals. Nonetheless, it's humanity joining together with the Godhead to bring our faith into reality in the world — it's bringing the Kingdom of Heaven to earth.
Even Pope Francis has reiterated in his new memoir, Hope, that he has a "desire for the Catholic Church to be seen as a field hospital, not a fortress." The ideas of faith and medicine are intricately linked and are a welcome place for all to enter and find "rest for the weary." (Jeremiah 31:25)
The world wounds us, and we are in need of healing, through our faith in God and the power He grants through medicine. Through this, we can come to a place of solace and rest, and find the peace our souls desperately need.
As spring comes forth from the ground and we see the beauty of creation all around us, take time to reflect on how God is doing a new thing in your life, in your work and in the world. It is when we stop and see the sacred moments of the work of God all around us that we can follow the advice of the 17th-century monk Brother Lawrence, and "practice the presence of God."
PAUSE AND REFLECT
As we look to find God's presence in our work and daily lives, ponder these questions:
- How do I see God at work around me in Catholic health care?
- Where do I put my faith into action at work?
- Where do I feel out of control and need to receive God's healing for my own thoughts, feelings and worries?
- How can I contribute to the "field hospital" that Pope Francis is calling us to provide for our community members?
CLOSING PRAYER
Good and Gracious God:
Every day we see Your handiwork through the miracles we perform in Catholic health care. Thank You for the revelations You have provided us through the power of medicine. We're grateful for the brilliant clinicians who develop healing pathways. We continue to marvel at the new discoveries through research. We see Your omnipresence in the steady hand of the surgeon being led by the Holy Spirit.
As we follow in Jesus' footsteps, we are proud to join in Your work of healing our community members' spiritual, physical, emotional and psychological needs. Help us to be faithful in living out Your incarnational principles of being "Your hands and feet."
We give You all the glory. Amen.
"Prayer Service," a regular department in Health Progress, may be copied without prior permission.