A few summers ago, a question from a friend resonated deeply within me, a query now amplified as my brother grapples with a severe illness. She asked, "What is the relationship between sin and sickness?" Influenced by several Protestant teachings on health and wellness, she held the belief that our personal sins are the cause of our physical ailments.
Indeed, from a theological standpoint, sin does play a role in the existence of sickness. If not for the original sin of Adam and Eve, sickness would not plague our world. As written in the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans, "Therefore as sin came into the world through one man and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all men sinned" (Romans 5:12, RSVCE). In this context, it's true that sin begets further sin, and societal sin could indeed manifest in the form of sickness.
It's also crucial to recognize the spiritual dimension of our wellbeing. Satan, we know, often seeks to disrupt our peace of mind, a strategy that could potentially weaken our immunity and heighten our susceptibility to illness. However, by living in a state of grace, embracing a sacramental life, and maintaining unwavering faith and trust in God, we can cultivate a deep sense of tranquility. This peace of mind serves as a protective shield, strengthening our defenses against sickness in both supernatural and natural ways. It not only enhances our response to illness but also provides a certain degree of protection.
It's essential, however, to exercise caution when considering the "health and wellness gospel". Jesus Christ himself denied a direct cause-and-effect relationship between sin and sickness. As he explained in the Gospel of John, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be made manifest in him" (John 9:3, RSVCE).
Central to our faith is the understanding that God does not inflict sickness, but He allows it. In our moments of illness and suffering, we may find ourselves drawn closer to Jesus than ever before. Indeed, suffering does not merely bring us to Him—it shapes us, nurturing our spirits to become more Christ-like. Mother Teresa beautifully encapsulated this concept when she said, 'Suffering has to come because if you look at the cross, He has got his head bending down - He wants to kiss you - and He has both hands wide open - He wants to embrace you.'
A compelling example of this understanding can be seen in the life of Saint Bernadette of Lourdes. Despite being the recipient of visions of the Blessed Virgin Mary and living a life of profound holiness, Saint Bernadette faced significant physical suffering. She died from tuberculosis of the bone, a painful disease. Yet, she never wavered in her faith, even in the face of such tremendous suffering. Lourdes, the site of her visions, has since been associated with countless miracles, inspiring people worldwide. Following her death, Saint Bernadette was canonized, recognizing her unwavering faith and virtue.
The message that the Blessed Mother gave to St. Bernadette of Lourdes reinforces the understanding of suffering in our faith: "I do not promise you happiness in this world but in the next."
The lives of countless saints bear witness to immense suffering, illustrating that hardships are not punishments, but transformative gifts. When we view our suffering as a gift, it truly becomes one. Our task is to recognize it, accept it, and use it as a stepping stone for spiritual growth, bringing us closer to God and making us more Christ-like in our earthly journey.