Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Ephesians 4:28
“Before all things and above all things, care must be taken of the sick, so that they will be served as if they were Christ in person; for He Himself said, “I was sick, and you visited Me” (Matthew 25:36), and, “What you did for one of these least ones, you did for Me” (Matthew 25:40). But let the sick on their part consider that they are being served for the honor of God, and let them not annoy their [sisters or brothers] who are serving them by their unnecessary demands. Yet they should be patiently borne with, because from such as these is gained a more abundant reward.”
Benedict of Nursia (480-547) in The Rule of St. Benedict 36. Benedict aimed at following Jesus in his day in Nursia, Italy. Many joined him, so he founded communities of monks that would be known as Benedictines. His rule emphasized Ora et Labora, or, prayer and work.
God made us to pray and work, not so that we would amass gain for ourselves (as it’s all God’s) but so that we would care for and share with those who cannot work. Do you know someone right now who is sick? They can’t head off to work today because some ailment has diminished their capacities.
This point in The Rule of St. Benedict is insightful related to abundance. “More abundant reward” awaits those who care for the sick. We pray and work to serve others and show our faith. We might make a meal, run an errand, help someone get to a doctor’s appointment, or offer some other service.
It’s tough when the suffering lasts weeks, months, or years. Such situations call for a team of servers! Don’t it for the reward, but when the days get long, remember that God sees and will reward the sacrifice. Instead, let’s do it generously to show our Christian faith to the world.