Page 132 - spiritual_accompaniment_montreal_archdiocese

HOMILIES

sufferings, sins and downfalls on the cross and rose again, has the power, the power of
presence, the power to be totally present to every human being entering the valley of death.
And in that sense, we can find ourselves squarely on the frontline as a doctor, a nurse, orderly
or caregiver. But we can also find ourselves on the frontline of prayer. Does prayer actually
constitute a frontline? When we pray to God, we are engaging in battle. We are fighting for
those now alone in the valley of death.

The times in which we are currently living, perhaps, is a time to see the full potential of
human commitment in action as well as to realize that generally we also feel quite powerless.
But at the same time, prayer broadens our horizon. Prayer makes it possible to entrust every-
thing, to place everything in the merciful hands of Jesus. Prayer enables us to believe that, in
suffering, Jesus Christ has the power to visit that sick person whom we cannot visit. Jesus
Christ has the power to be present within the heart of our father, our mother, our grandfather,
our grandmother who is sick and we are unable to be present. We feel far away, too far away.
We do not see anyway to get physically closer; it seems impossible. Yet, Jesus Christ has this
power. And certainly our prayer can encompass several dimensions. (These dimensions will
be included in the Prayers of the Faithful that will be offered later.)

Our prayer, at first, may be for the sick themselves, for those facing the end of life, that they
may know that God has not abandoned them. Not only does God not abandon them, but if
they find themselves alone when approaching the valley of death, it is not because we have
abandoned them; it is because we are powerless, having contributed all we could in fighting
this disease on the frontline, in serving life, and in supporting those directly engaged in the
battle. All members of society are duty-bound to support those who are directly fighting this
battle. We can engage through our own battle-by-prayer approach, prayer that is
all-encompassing, which includes prayers of support, for the sick and all those serving in the
battle for life on the frontline, and for immediate and concrete care of all who are sick.

So, to pray is to offer prayers for the sick, for the concerned individuals, for those on the front-
line caring for them, and for society in its numerous mobilization efforts to support the sick
and those who care for them. It means praying for governments that throughout this ordeal,
which affects everyone and in which we feel powerless, the battle will be fought and mobiliz-
ation efforts will be carried out in a spirit of solidarity and social peace.

It is a spiritual battle involving the whole Church, those who believe in God, the need to
entrust all mankind to God.

(cont’d)

Collection of texts by the Most Rev. Christian Lépine 132