“Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do.
Go and learn the meaning of the words,
I desire mercy, not sacrifice.
I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”
I am a physician in some sense and treating the sick is my job! But where do we go when we cannot manage situations — we close close our eyes and pray!
Patient bleeder cant be sutured or cauterised — give pressure and say a prayer!
Baby delivered and not crying – start neonatal resuscitation and recite a prayer!
About to scrub for a major case ,while I scrub, I recite a prayer!
Breaking the news of cancer to a loved one and patient – say a prayer and as they walk out teary eyed, pray again!
Some days when the end stage and nothing can be done – just be empathetic and pray!
A random smile, a simple act of kindness goes a long way as we dont know what a person is going through! I know I have cried buckets when a patient thanked me on a horrible day at work – like today !
Recently I mentioned to a co worker how I dont get time to study due to work of residency and my academics may be lacking – he told me an anecdote of a case of terminal cancer who underwent palliative surgery and the entire family got him new clothes and slippers to wear as he was being discharged from hospital and the patients face lit up! My colleague reminded me that we miss the small things at work in the midst of our own chaos and unhappiness!
Todays reading often reminds me of being a Mathew at work – stickler to rules and showing less empathy! I want to pray for some more mercy and sacrifice from my side especially at my work place where we deal with death and terminal illness so often!
All of us need to realise we are not perfect and are sinners of various levels! We need to learn to focus on the Lord and give ourselves to Him by doing service for the sick and having mercy on those who persecute us!
Give us the strength oh Lord
AMEN
