On Friday I performed unction and gave communion to an old, old grandmother. She is already over 90, she can’t walk, but her heart is strong and she eats well. The diseases of old age have come a long time ago, a person suffers and does not die. She herself is suffering, and her daughter is tired.
This grandmother was once our oldest parishioner, so I performed all the sacred rites with a special feeling… Who knows, maybe this is the last time I give her communion?
On the way out, her daughter said to me:
— Thank you, father. You did everything so well, now she will definitely die!
The people have completely ruined TV, they have already signed up the priest as a killer. They don’t understand that we gather people together not so that they die, but so that they are healed mentally and recovered physically. There is not a single word about death in the following of the Sacrament of Unction or Blessing of Unction. — They don’t believe… come on, father, kill grandma…
Old age and illness are suffering for both some and others. Is long life really a blessing or a curse? The question of suffering is the cornerstone question of our existence. And you don’t know for whom suffering is more important. For those who are suffering and dying, or for those who are close to the dying.
Today we hear more and more often about euthanasia. In fact, it has been operating here for a long time, only illegally. How convenient, they gave grandma an injection, and there were no problems! We prayed, of course, cried, as expected, but still how convenient. You don’t see the suffering of a loved one. You don’t see his pain, you don’t need to sympathize…
And from the practical side, look: living space is freed up for grandchildren — once; no need for a nurse — two; you are free and free to plan your time; and many other amenities. And what good is it for the state! There is no need to pay pensions, disabled people, or provide free medicines. And nursing homes, have you forgotten? Total savings…
More and more often on TV there is indirect but consistent campaigning for the introduction of euthanasia in our country. Alas, society is aging and sees no other way out. By mid-century there will be one pensioner for every working person.
But there is another side here. So, our headman’s daughter’s father-in-law was paralyzed. They themselves have a two-room apartment, one walk-through room, themselves, and two children. If you take your grandfather, where should you put the closet and table? He consults with his mother, saying that his daughter refused, and we also have nowhere to go. The mother replies, it’s okay, settle down in the kitchen and take grandfather. They obeyed and took it.
Grandfather Sanka was the happiest of all; he did not leave the old man’s side, told him the news, read fairy tales, and even did his homework next to his grandfather. In short, he had nowhere to go, quickly recovered and ran home.
“But now, daughter,” says the mother, “your children know exactly how to deal with you in the same situation.”
They will not leave you to die in the hospital in the hands of others.
Author: priest Alexander (Dyachenko)
Charity fundnd Holy Land
Investment in the Soul!
