Jesus did not only treat and heal the sick, but he was also a
tireless promoter of health through his saving presence, teaching and
action. His love for man was expressed in relationships full of
humanity, which led him to understand, to show compassion and bring
comfort, harmoniously combining tenderness and strength. He was moved by
the beauty of nature, he was sensitive to human suffering, he fought
evil and injustice. He faced the negative aspects of this experience
courageously and, fully aware of the implications, communicated the
certainty of a new world. In him, the human condition showed its face
redeemed and the deepest human aspirations found fulfillment.
He wants to communicate this harmonious fullness of life to people
today. His saving action not only aims to meet the needs of human
people, victims of their own limits and errors, but to sustain their
efforts for total self-fulfillment. He opens the prospect of divine life
to man: “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (Jn 10:10).
Called to continue Jesus’ mission, the Church must seek to promote a full and ordered life for everyone.
- St. John Paul the Great
World Day of the Sick 2000
