In Catholic health care, we strive to live by Jesus’ call to love our neighbor. This month we acknowledge two important ways in which we can live out that call. First, we acknowledge our vocation to a life of service in caring for our neighbors who are ill on the World Day of the Sick. Introduced in 1993 by Pope John Paul II, this day is an opportunity to offer prayers for those suffering from illnesses and to reflect on those who provide care to them. The World Day of Social Justice invites us to stand in solidarity with our neighbors who are experiencing injustice and advocate for conditions that allow everyone the opportunity to flourish.
Reflection
“What we would like to do is change the world–make it a little simpler for people to feed, clothe, and shelter themselves as God intended them to do. And, by fighting for better conditions, by crying out unceasingly for the rights of the workers, the poor, of the destitute–the rights of the worthy and the unworthy poor, in other words–we can, to a certain extent, change the world; we can work for the oasis, the little cell of joy and peace in a harried world. We can throw our pebble in the pond and be confident that its ever-widening circle will reach around the world. We repeat, there is nothing we can do but love, and, dear God, please enlarge our hearts to love each other, to love our neighbor, to love our enemy as our friend.”
-Dorothy Day
Team Discussion
- Reflect on your calling to work in health care. How has the experience of caring shaped you?
- What are the most pressing social justice issues in health care today?
- How can we at HSHS actively contribute to positive change?
Dates to Remember
February | Black History Month
February 11 | World Day of the Sick
February 20 | World Day of Social Justice