An Indian Sister working in Europe faces the challenges of a very secularized society where religion means very little to many people, especially the young. She sees the painful loneliness of many people, and looks at ways she can bring God’s love to them.
It is a great and touching moment in the life of Veronica when, she as a woman, came forward to wipe the face of Jesus covered with tears and blood. As a Missionary Sister of Mary Help of Christians working in Europe, I feel connected to that story. How?
I have been working mostly in Italian parishes. As I am involved in the pastoral care of the people, this face of Jesus covered with tears and blood comes alive to me.
From my personal experience, there are two categories of people I meet. One is the fervent and devoted people, faithful to their religious practices, who live their life in the light of faith. The other is the lukewarm and the indifferent people who seem to have no interest in religious faith and practices.
The faithful and devoted people give me a sense of joy and hope and are a source of great strength and support to work for the spread of the Gospel. Their presence, encouragement and involvement in pastoral work, as well as the support they give us, are a great source of strength for us.
For the other group, instead, religion is a thing of the past and a throw-away product. They totally and openly oppose anything that is spiritual or connected to the Church. In this sense they are a big threat for our civilization as they rob the hope and faith of our people. They ridicule and oppose religious beliefs and practices, and see no relevance in them.
We meet both these types of persons every day. The first group makes us feel that the fire of faith is still burning; the others show you how decadent faith and church practice can become. I am a witness to both types daily.
Largely, young people are the ones who tend to have little or nothing to do with faith. They are Christians only at the time of Baptism and Holy Communion. A handful of them receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. As for the Sacrament of Matrimony, it seems to be the most neglected sacrament, since young couples live together even before their marriage. Celebrating the Sacraments seems to have become merely a social custom where the emphasis is on partying. The sacredness, devotion and the relevance of the Sacraments are getting lost.
Modernity and consumerism influence all aspects of life. As a result, people generally do not have time to spare for their faith formation. Every other sphere of life is consciously taken care of, whereas what has to do with the Church and faith, gets the last place and least importance. Many in the younger generation see religion as a relic from the past unconnected to them in any way.
In Italy (or other European countries) you can find so many beautiful chapels, churches, shrines and basilicas. But, sadly, these have become places of tourist attraction. Most visitors are interested not in prayer and God, but in art, sculpture and architecture. Many do not seem to feel the presence of God in their life. A sense of the sacred is sadly missing.
Amidst all this, my call to be a messenger of God’s love is a real challenge. It is not about any great changes that I can usher in. It is about wiping the face of Jesus in this environment and situation. I realize that I cannot change the setting nor can I glory in myself. But I can make a difference in the lives of those I meet. How can I do it in this spiritually “dry” setting, where religious practices mean so little to most people?
I believe I can and must bring God’s love to these sisters and brothers of mine in the small ways open to me. After all, the human heart is the same in all cultures and settings. People long for love and care, and suffer when they do not get it. Though materially more prosperous than most people in India, Europeans often suffer from deep loneliness and lack of family ties. Many older people have no one to talk to. They have medical insurance, but miss the tender presence of another caring human being. After all, food, phone and TV cannot fill the human heart.
So, we (Sisters) do family visits and go to meet people who are sick. We spend time with them. We speak. We listen. These are small things, but isn’t life mostly about the so-called small things? Besides, what are the really “big” things in life? What are the “small” things?
Many times, I have experienced deep joy in my heart as I realize that, like Veronica, I can wipe the face of a tired and suffering Jesus. Wiping His face was a tiny gesture, but, done with love, it meant much. No wonder we have a Station of the Cross dedicated to it.
I can wipe the face of a tired and suffering Jesus when I visit a sick or lonely person, when I listen to a troubled youngster or a depressed senior, when I spend time with a family, when I really show concern to someone who has nobody to talk to. I have found that a kind word, a smile, or listening that makes them feel understood, a word of hope, an assurance of prayer and support—all this makes a huge difference in the lives of people. We need not wait for the big occasion or any special place or time. We can bring joy and healing to people in any place, on any ordinary day.
Most people, including those who look confident and successful, are insecure, lonely and looking for someone to talk to. Many long to find someone who will listen to them without judging, welcome them when they are troubled, and have time for them when they feel lost.
So many people carry heavy burdens and face heart-rending struggles. Many are overwhelmed by broken relationships, unhappy family situations, desperate financial straits, betrayals and loss of meaning. They feel they have no one to turn to. When struck by tragedy, they feel utterly alone. Very often, their image (and experience) of the Church is that of a huge impersonal organization rather than of a caring family close to them.
Many times I have felt humbled and seen my faith deepen through my meetings with ordinary people and listening to their struggles. Behind the apparent lack of faith or religiosity, I have seen their courage, their readiness to forgive, their determination not to give up, and much goodness. I also see their deep and painful loneliness. They want to pick up the pieces of their brokenness and stand on their feet again. Obviously, these persons, who have suffered much and struggled valiantly, have more to teach me than I can teach them. I also realized that my own problems and struggles are almost insignificant—mere pin-pricks—compared to the bitter pills many of them swallow.
Here is one such experience. Rosa (name changed) felt totally lost and broken. Her husband betrayed her for another woman; her daughter ran away; there was a case against her related to property matters. In spite of such a trying situation, Rosa did not buckle. She still loved her husband and her children. She sought strength in her faith. Her perseverance in prayer and never-say-die attitude helped her overcome the obstacles one by one. Her family is once again back together as one. This is what faith and love can do for us. But we all need a bit of loving human support when we are going through the storm. This is where we can, like Veronica, wipe their tearful and bleeding face with gentleness and love.
I have also found that, to be able to do this for our suffering people, we need to be credible. For that, I need to deepen my own faith, and be as genuine and loving as I can. In reaching out to the lonely and lost, and experiencing their faith and inner strength, my faith is deepened, too.
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