Doctors in The Scriptures

SHA and SHIF.

Drawing From The Wisdom of Sirach. 

Beloved brethren, I come from a family with a strong Catholic background.

My grammar was Catholic Prayer Warrior. 

She was so devoted to praying with her rosary that as a small boy I honestly thought she knew Mother Mary at a personal level. 

She would pray and speak as thought Mother Mary was a neighbour or a very close relative. 

It is only when I grew up that I came to understand that Mother Mary lived many centuries ago.

Because of my grammars' influences, two of my own blood sisters are Catholic Sisters.

This has privileged me to have access to the Catholic Bible which contains 7 extra books like Tobit, Wisdom, Judith, Sirach etc.

Today, because of the ongoing debate on SHA and SHIF, I feel impressed to share some wisdom I picked from the book of Sirach concerning the place of Doctors and Medics in the society. 

Sirach reminds us that health and sickness are both part of the human experience, and that seeking medical help is not a sign of weakness but a wise and necessary step.

Sirach 38:1 says:

"Honor the physician with the honor due him, according to your need of him, for the Lord created him."

This verse establishes the importance of doctors and the respect they deserve.

They are not just skilled professionals: they are instruments in the Hand of God for healing.

The book goes on to explain that healing comes from God, but He often works through the knowledge and skill He has given to Doctors and other Medics.

Sirach 38:2, says:

"From God comes wisdom, and it is he who makes the physician skillful."

Sirach encourages us to seek medical help whenever necessary. 

Sirach 38:4, says:

"The Lord has created medicines from the earth, and a sensible man will not despise them."

The book also touches on the importance of prayer in the healing process. Because ultimately, healing comes from God. 

Sirach 38:9, says:

"My son, when you are sick, do not be negligent, but pray to the Lord, and he will heal you."

This wisdom from Sirach reminds us that doctors are compassionate caregivers who use their knowledge and skills to alleviate suffering and promote health on behalf of God.  

Let us honor them, appreciate their dedication, and recognize the Divine Hand that guides them in their delicate work.

We Salute all our Doctors, Nurses and Other Medics.

Boniface Amani Gichina (CPM)