We have all been called to follow God’s will on this earth, and prayerfully discern the unique plan He has for us. Some jobs may seem menial, but even the least of these has a purpose, and can be a way to serve God. Providing for your family and bringing the light of Christ to your co-workers is a calling in itself, and God has given His blessing to all hard work, saying, “Do not hate hard work; work was assigned by God.” (Sirach 7:15).
If you are a nurse, you are one of the lucky few who can easily see that your vocation is inherently Christian. At nursing’s very core is Jesus’ calling to “do unto others”. In just 33 years, Jesus managed to ignite a spark that would change the face of the entire world. With His radical teachings, Jesus taught others that in order to be first, you must be last. God Himself was willing to come and serve the sickest of the sick, and the poorest of the poor, and that calling was extended to mankind, as we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus Himself. His words call us time and time again:
“For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” -Mark 10:45
“If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet.” -John 13:14
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do.” -John 14:12
“If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” -Mark 9:35
From this beautiful beginning came the intense calling to not only take care of others, but serve them as Jesus did. Great saints began to rise up and sacrifice everything, following the path of Jesus on the cross. Throughout time, Catholics formed charities to take care of the sick. Follow some of these holy men and women with our Catholic Nursing timeline and journey in our next post!