Serving God and the Church Through Sickness

In her reflection on Pope Francis’s witness of service while ill in hospital, Laurika Nxumalo writes that true service is rooted in the heart, not physical strength.

As Catholics, we are all filled with joy and gratitude that Pope Francis is out of hospital after being hospitalised for over a month.

The call to serve God and His Church is one that transcends all circumstances, including physical illness. Throughout history, believers have faced trials of sickness and suffering, yet many have continued to serve with unwavering faith and dedication.

Serving God while ill is a profound expression of devotion and trust, demonstrating that service to the Lord is not limited to physical well-being. In fact, such service can often reveal the strength of one’s faith and the depth of commitment to God’s work. This is what Pope Francis has taught us during his hospitalisation. His ability to continue serving the Church despite physical frailty showed his unshakeable faith. His example demonstrated that great leadership is defined not by physical capacity but by the strength of the soul and devotion to a higher purpose.

The Bible offers numerous examples of individuals who continued to serve God even in the face of personal suffering. The Apostle Paul, for instance, was no stranger to physical affliction. In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Paul shares his experience with a “thorn in the flesh” that caused him great discomfort. Despite this suffering, Paul did not cease his ministry. In fact, he found strength in his weakness, knowing that “God’s power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul’s example teaches that service to God is not defined by physical health or lack thereof, but by the heart’s devotion and willingness to serve.

In addition, the life of Job exemplifies the profound reality that even in suffering, one can continue to honour God. Job lost his health, wealth and family, yet he never turned away from God. He declared: “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him” (Job 13:15). His commitment to trust and serve God in the midst of his painful affliction serves as a reminder that serving God is not contingent upon circumstances but upon enduring faith in God’s sovereignty.

Beyond biblical examples, there is the example of St Gaspar Bertoni, founder of the Congregation of the Sacred Stigmata of Our Lord Jesus Christ (The Stigmatine Fathers and Brothers). Despite his strong will and commitment to his vocation, St Gaspar battled significant ailments throughout his life. For almost 40 years, he suffered excruciating physical pain, including leg infections and other diseases that kept him confined to his room. However, he did not let his condition hinder him from carrying out his vocation. St Gaspar’s time in bed allowed him to focus more on his own spiritual development—his humility and dedication to God, even while suffering bodily aches and pains, revealed his firm belief that one’s relationship with God is the most important thing in life.

Serving God even when one is sick can bring spiritual growth and blessings. As physical strength wanes, spiritual strength can grow. When one continues to serve God during sickness, it cultivates a spirit of perseverance, humility and dependence on God’s provision. This strengthens the relationship between the believer and God, allowing them to experience the divine presence in deeper and more intimate ways.

Moreover, serving in the midst of illness can provide an opportunity for believers to grow in empathy and compassion. Suffering allows individuals to connect more closely with others who are also facing challenges, creating a sense of solidarity within the Body of Christ. Such service is not merely about outward acts; it is about the heart’s posture before God and the Church. It encourages believers to remember that they are not alone in their struggles and that their suffering, when offered to God, can be part of His redemptive work.

Serving God and the Church while sick is not only a testimony of faith but also a powerful act of obedience. It is a reminder that the strength of one’s service is not determined by physical ability but by a heart that seeks to honour God in all circumstances. By following the examples of biblical figures such as St Paul and Job, believers can find that even in their moments of weakness, God’s power can be revealed.

Laurika Nxumalo is the diocesan secretary of the archdiocese of Pretoria, which she also represents on the SACBC Council of the Laity. She also serves on the SACBC Commission for Synodality’s deputy-secretary and laity representative.