LUO VALUES AND PRACTICES IN CARING FOR THE SICK

Abstract

This book explores the values and ways in which the Luo cared for the sick in their traditional society. In the course of his priestly and pastoral work, the author encountered painful experiences and negative attitudes from patients who were dissatisfied with the way they were handled by pastoral agents. This inclined them towards traditional ways of caring for the sick. The author saw firsthand many sick and lonely people confined to their beds, drugs and syringes besides them for months if not years, and faced with huge hospital bills, while their family and relatives hoped for the best. Poor pastoral care is responsible for much of this suffering. Many church Ministers seem too busy with their pastoral work and hardly take ten minutes with the sick. After a long wait for the pastoral minister, all that patients get are prayers according to the rite; no further pastoral visits. Jesus’ approach to care of the sick beckons us to do more. He touched their inner being and this made him acceptable even to the family members of the sick. Even today, people are in need of better pastoral care. They wander about, seeking persons who can fulfill their deep longings for physic – psychological wellness. In short, pastoral care of the sick today is wanting. It is not just minimal but also mechanical. Consequently, it does not promote interpersonal relationships.