To comfort the afflicted is to offer solace, encouragement, and support to those who are suffering in any way–whether it be physically, emotionally, or spiritually. This work of mercy compels us to imitate the charity that Jesus Christ demonstrates to all people, especially the vulnerable and the needy. Saint Paul highlights our call to comfort others the same way God comforts us in our struggles:
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and God of all encouragement, who encourages us in our every affliction, so that we may be able to encourage those who are in any affliction with the encouragement with which we ourselves are encouraged by God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
Being truly present for others during their times of difficulty involves listening to their struggles and offering our support without judgment. This spiritual act of mercy challenges us to put aside our own prejudices and biases as we approach our neighbors with hearts filled with compassion and empathy. It requires us to look beyond the surface and to see the inherent dignity of every human being, regardless of their state in life.
Sometimes, a problem cannot be solved, and a situation cannot be dismissed. In those instances, providing sincere and patient companionship can alleviate the added distress of social withdrawal. Pope Francis explains how isolation further compounds our afflictions:
“…others might abandon us at such times. Or, in our own moments of weakness, we may feel that we should abandon others in order to avoid becoming a burden. This is how loneliness sets in, and we can become poisoned by a bitter sense of injustice, as if God himself had abandoned us.”
He explains through the Parable of the Good Samaritan that the condition of loneliness and abandonment is easy to remedy.
“This kind of cruelty can be overcome more easily than any other injustice, because–as the parable tells us–it only takes a moment of our attention, of being moved to compassion within us, in order to eliminate it.”
Comforting the afflicted is a tangible way for us to offer hope, promote all types of healing, and shine the light of God into the darkest hours of someone’s life. Our act of mercy is an outpouring of Christ to others through us. This week, consider how you can share the loving comfort of Jesus with those in most need of his mercy. Help them to realize that every cross brings grace when united with God. When you pray for the afflicted, include intentions for both your loved ones and for strangers.
Pope Francis persuades us:
“Experiences of bewilderment, sickness, and weakness are part of the human journey. Far from excluding us from God’s people, they bring us to the center of the Lord’s attention, for he is our Father and does not want to lose even one of his children along the way. Let us learn from him, then, how to be a community that truly walks together, capable of resisting the throwaway culture.”
Think also this week about how you can accompany others through their trials on that human journey. One simple way is to be present–to “suffer” with them. Help with practical tasks, or support an organization that does so. Share your shoulder to cry on, your hand to hold, your thoughtful words, your smiles, and your hugs. Saint Thérèse de Lisieux reminds us, “A word or a smile is often enough to put fresh life in a despondent soul.”
