"For I was...
ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me."
(Matt.
25:26)
When
a person is seriously ill, he or she is often confused, afraid, and
lonely - even in the midst of others. Yet it is often in those
moments of loneliness and fear that the Lord speaks to us, comforts
us, and assures us the He is near.
Christians have always prayed for and with the sick - praying for
healing, for strength and for courage in the face of physical
difficulties. When someone becomes seriously ill, regardless of his
or her age, they are vulnerable, and often frightened and alone.
Yet the Lord is near to those who suffer, He hears their cry, and
would be their comfort. "Come to me, you who labor and find life
burdensome, and I will give you rest..." The Lord is present to the
sick, in part, through the prayers of the Church - the anointing
and sacrament of the sick.
If you would like me to, I will visit the sick in the Hudson
Valley, New York City, or Western Connecticut and celebrate the
Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick with those who wish to
receive it and their families. Please call me at 914-804-1944 or
write to me at fatherrich@mac.com