Postawa kontemplacji w opiece paliatywnej

Abstract

The present paper reveals that palliative care, which seeks to care for the terminally ill, is a place where in a special way an attitude of contemplation can and should be adopted. On one hand, it is a purely natural attitude that lies in watching by the bedside of the dying and reflecting on the truth, the good and the beauty of the human spirit experienced by suffering. On the other hand, on the ground of faith, the attitude of contemplation becomes contemplative prayer which leads to a deeper experience of God, which in turn improves the quality of the healthcare service. Suffering, with its purifying power, results in the union with God. In some cases, however, this union is accomplished only after having passed through the dark night of faith that affects mainly the ill, but also palliative care workers. While it is true that hospice workers are not intended to instruct patients how to cope with suffering, it should be noticed that they are morally obliged to join the ill person on his way of suffering and death by contemplative prayer.