Chapter 36 of the Rule begins with these words, “Care of the sick must rank above and before all else” (36:1).
We are never more vulnerable than when we are sick—never more dependent—never in more need of community.
To abandon a brother or sister to their sickness is to dishonor Christ. To care for them is to represent Christ.
Just as the monastic community organized itself in relation to the sick, so we should arrange our lives (individually and congregationally) to be sure that the sick among us are tended with love.
In some cases, this will mean becoming advocates for the sick in a health-care system that does not always treat patients as people. At times, it may mean speaking up for the sick who cannot speak for themselves. But at all times, it will mean surrounding the sick with our prayers and our presence.
We must also note that the Rule calls upon the abbot to be sure that this kind of ministry is occurring, and that no sick monk is neglected. Even today, one of the chief pastoral ministries is caring for the sick, both personally and through systems designed to insure that no one remains alone when they are ill.
Oboedire 