Message from Our Pastor Fr. Aaron Pierre, S.J.

Seen, Known, and Accompanied (Part 2)

In the first part of this reflection, I wrote about the dignity that no illness can take away. But that truth also asks something of us: when we are hurting, we should not be ashamed to seek help.

Sometimes Christians can feel that turning to a therapist, counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist means that we are not trusting God enough. I do not believe that is true. God often cares for us through other people. We trust doctors with our physical health, priests with spiritual guidance, and others whose wisdom helps us grow. In the same way, a trained mental-health professional can help us understand what is happening within us. Pope Leo prays especially for “professionals, family members, volunteers—men and women who, with patience and love, build bridges of understanding and comfort.” Their work can be one of the ways God brings healing into our lives.

God did not create us to carry every burden alone. Sometimes healing begins in the quiet space of a therapist’s office. Sometimes it happens when a married couple asks for help learning to listen and communicate more honestly. Sometimes it happens in a grief group, or around a table at an Alcoholics Anonymous or Al-Anon meeting, where someone realizes, “I am not the only one.” These kinds of support are not separate from a life of faith. They can become places where God meets us through the patience, wisdom, and experience of others. And we do not need to wait until life is falling apart. Seeking help can be part of healing, but it can also be part of growing.

Pope Leo asks that the Church become “a community that accompanies and never excludes, that listens without judging and draws near without fear.” May that describe our parish. May we know when to pray with someone, when simply to listen, and when to help them find the support they need. God’s mercy reaches us in many ways. Sometimes, it reaches us through another person who knows how to help.

Read the Pastor’s Message – Part 1