they who are in health tend the sick
Cyprian, On Mortality, section 16
Writing during an epidemic, St. Cyprian asks whether healthy people will care for the sick and whether relatives will show faithful love. His questions bring the afflicted person before the conscience of the community. Illness is an occasion to examine the mercy actually given to a neighbor. Cyprian, On Mortality, section 16
The passage also names physicians and others whose conduct matters when people are vulnerable. It is an exhortation to Christian responsibility. We should not treat its ancient setting as a medical protocol or as a diagnosis explaining why a particular person became ill. Its immediate question concerns how we respond. Cyprian, On Mortality, section 16
Christ includes visiting the sick among the acts named in His teaching about the judgment. Service to the least of His brethren is received as service to Him. The Gospel therefore gives sickness a place within the concrete care Christians are called to offer. Matthew 25:35-40
The form of help should fit the person’s needs and appropriate health guidance. A meal, an errand, a message or coordinated assistance may be useful, depending on the circumstances. These possibilities answer the purpose of care without making a devotional into medical advice. Ask what is needed rather than assuming that every ill person needs the same visit. Matthew 25:35-40
Cyprian’s questions let us consider whether concern has become a deed. The sick person remains a neighbor whose dignity and needs deserve attention. We can offer appropriate help, continue in prayer and avoid promising a cure. Christ’s command directs the purpose of the care, while the particular situation determines what can responsibly be given. Cyprian, On Mortality, section 16
For prayer, use the Lord’s Prayer given by Christ in Matthew 6:9–13.
Sources and edition notes
- Cyprian, On Mortality. Source. Translated by Robert Ernest Wallis. From Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. 5. Edited by Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson, and A. Cleveland Coxe. (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1886.) Revised and edited for New Advent by Kevin Knight. https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/050707.htm.
Scripture references link to these comparison editions: NKJV. Biblical passages are paraphrased. Biblical language within a patristic quotation follows the identified historical English translation.