Yusuf fights every day. His body bears the scars of burns—marks of pain, but also of hope. Though his treatments are still ongoing, I could not resist sharing his current picture. Because behind every bandage and every tired look is a boy who has not stopped smiling at life. Yusuf does not give up. His strength inspires everyone around him, and his eyes reflect a courage that many adults would envy.
We know the road to recovery is long, filled with difficult days and sleepless nights. But we also know that prayer has power. Every word of encouragement, every positive thought, and every heartfelt prayer reaches him, giving him the strength to keep going. Today, more than ever, Yusuf needs the world to embrace him with faith. Let each of us take a moment to wish him healing, comfort, and hope. Because when many voices pray together, miracles happen. I am sure that, thanks to your prayers, Yusuf will soon smile again without pain.
Your Father, your Teacher, and your Physician is strong and serene; He does not remember our sins as long as we turn to Him. As Saint Augustine says: "Follow my advice; in sickness, remain at peace, for the suffering of the body is medicine for the soul. If you do not wish to know God through punishment, you will know that you will be punished in both soul and body.” This is a visit from God, so accept it with a good heart. If you do not have that peace, desire it with all your being, so that the health of the body does not become sickness of the soul.
Saint Augustine calls blind those who, placed by God in poverty or illness, see the wicked prosper in health, wealth, and worldly pleasures, yet complain against God. As the prophet Jeremiah asks: "Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why does it go well for all who do evil?” (Jeremiah 12:1). Therefore, the best advice for the sick is not to complain, but to seek medicine for the soul first—by confessing sins and purifying the spirit before the body. Christ taught this when He healed the paralytic: first He said, "Your sins are forgiven” (John 5), then, "Get up, take up your mat and walk.” Every action of Christ is an example and a lesson for us.
It is also wise to encourage the sick person to make a will, disposing of their assets for the glory of God. Even if death is not imminent, this prudence does no harm but great good, helping both body and soul by remaining always prepared. Consider Hezekiah: because he had shown ingratitude, God sent a serious illness that brought him to death’s door. The prophet Isaiah told him, "Put your house in order, for you will die.” Hezekiah turned to the wall and prayed with great tears. God forgave him, and Isaiah returned with this message: "I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. You will live fifteen more years, and I will deliver you from the king of Assyria and defend your city.” On the third day, Hezekiah went to the temple to give thanks. Thus, the prophet’s visit brought him three gifts: extended years, deliverance from enemies, and God’s favor in all his endeavors.
Finally, those who visit the sick and give alms must act with charity and compassion. As Saint John writes: "If anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?” (1 John 3:17). If a rich person sees a sick neighbor in need and has no compassion, they lack true charity toward God and others.
In conclusion: before treating the sick, the physician should encourage confession. Relatives and friends should comfort the sick and urge them to suffer for the love of God, thus purging their sins and gaining spiritual fruit. Then, advise them to make a will and put their affairs in order. Finally, do not fail to help and support them with alms according to each person’s ability, while praying fervently that God’s will be done. As Saint James says: "Prayer made with firm faith will heal the sick” (James 5:15).
