Let us sing to the Lord; he has covered himself in glory. — Psalm 15:1

Mass Readings: Exodus 14:5-18 / Matthew 12:38-42 

Minister of the Sick 

St. Camillus (1550-1614) is the patron saint of doctors, nurses, and the sick, so as a nurse practitioner I can claim him as my patron saint. He founded the Ministers of the Sick to care for wounded troops and to help the sick on quarantined galleys in the harbor of Naples. Several members died in the harbor and are considered the first martyrs of charity. 

What can I learn from a 17th-century Italian religious? He wasn’t a perfect man — he is reported to have been addicted to gambling at one time in his life — yet he continued to use his talents to serve others. He balanced the obligations of his religious life with the rigors of caring for the sick. His work became a prayer. 

Prayer: St. Camillus, pray for me that I may make my work a witness of faith.