Remember Those Who Are Chronically Ill

The concerns with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) which threatens the health of people throughout the world has made me think more of people who are living with chronic and enduring illnesses. I invite everyone to pray for and pay attention to those people who face illness and disability EVERY DAY! for a long time.

        Our loved ones and friends who have chronic diseases or disabilities must live with an awareness about their health about which many of us do not think. People with diabetes must monitor their sugar levels all the time, sometimes needing injections of insulin. People who have had kidney or other organ transplants must always be concerned that the body accepts the new tissue. Of course, those who await kidney transplants must use dialysis 3-4 times per week and thus endure great sacrifice and pain. Finally, I need to mention all those people who have had knee and hip replacements. The recovery is rarely easy and they never forget that the new joint is not their original one.

Then there are those who live with mental illnesses. It seems that almost once each day I learn of another person who is living with depression, or bi-polar disorder, or schizophrenia, or other serious mental illnesses. For some of these persons we must also be aware that they may be very attached to their medications. At the worst, those with mental illness attempt to self-medicate through alcohol, illicit drugs, or through prescription drugs obtained in illegal ways. The mental illness drives the desire for relief, but the so-called “relief” may be a problem in itself, with its own trials and pains.

Alcoholics, drug addicts, and those addicted to gambling or pornography demonstrate another aspect of those who are physically or psychologically impaired. The addicted persons are always oriented toward their next “fix,” the next time they can be stimulated by their drug or activity of addiction. As difficult as it may be to live with and/or love someone with an addiction, we believe that God does not abandon them. In fact, addicts who are recovering teach us that God is the God of 1000 chances! A sincere desire to face and overcome one’s addictions, along with a genuine longing to reconcile with those whom they have hurt, becomes the best possible medication for healing.

As we pray for those inflicted with the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), let us remember those who are chronically ill, addicted, and for those suffering in unknown ways.

Peace, Fr. Andy