of the Modern World
In 2001, suicide was the 11th leading cause of death in America at 30,622; the 8th leading cause of death for males. In fact, suicides outnumbered homocides by about 3:2 and there were twice as many people lost to suicide as to HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, and here is very clear proof of the cultural problem behind this epidemic, for every woman who commits suicide, four men take their own life and fully 80% of all people who commit suicide are white males. Most alarming of all, among young people ages 15 to 24, suicide was the THIRD leading cause of death. Yet, most people reading this probably had no idea at all of the severity of this plague. Humanity is suffering from a state of mental anguish so severe that lives are being lost at an alarming rate and there is no 'wonder drug' to cure it.
People who are depressed feel isolated, in many cases this is worsened by the fact that the illness itself causes many "friends" to stay away. The depressed feel hopeless, helpless, tired and worthless. This can become so severe that suicide seems the only escape from the nightmare of constant mental torment. However, there is no problem too big for Jesus to solve and no sin so great that He cannot forgive it. When people understand Christianity, they understand the sacred value of every single individual, they are made aware of the place in The Kingdom which only they can fill, a unique vocation to do the will of God on earth as no one else can, there is hope in an eternal paradise which will surpass our wildest dreams and there is the community of the Faithful on earth, in Mother Holy Church, which opens her arms to all of those who are lonely and wandering.
However, mental illness, particularly now, is a constant struggle and no one should have to deal with it alone. Before Christ ascended into Heaven, he charged His apostles and through them all of the Faithful, to carry on the work He had started in His name. Jesus was always a friend to the afflicted, a healer, a comforter and a light in the darkness. How about you? Are you quick to greet new people and make them feel welcome? Are you willing to be a friend to those in need, even if it is inconvenient? Sadly, even many Christians take little notice of those around them. They go to Mass, give the sign of peace to those next to them, and rush out as soon as it is over without a care to the new face in the crowd; they do not even greet them, to say nothing of taking them in and making them feel welcome.
Therefore, just as all Christians are guilty for the death of Jesus on the cross through our sins, so also are we all collectively guilty of allowing this black plague to devestate our community. Our own divisions and weakness allowed society is fall to this level and our uncaring attitude is doing little to correct the situation. Some devout people go to foreign lands to clothe the naked, feed the hungry and nurse the sick and injured, but there are countless numbers of people right here in our midst who are suffering from a disease just as painful and just as deadly, although we often cannot see it. We could go a long way in treating this disease I am convinced, if everyone in the Christian community started to really mean what they say when we talk about our 'brothers and sisters in Christ'. I think it would be great progress if we were able to, just in our own parish, come to truly treat everyone at Church as if they were a member of the family, which must include alot more than just a handshake every Sunday.
We must all be aware and we must all be responsive. The example of Christ is the greatest mediaction, for His burden is light. Look at the numbers of suicide victims and imagine standing before Christ the King when He asks, "When I was burning with saddness and My Heart was breaking, where were you to comfort Me?" Then, there will be no more time for excuses.
Lord Jesus Christ, You have willed that St Dymphna should be invoked by thousands of clients as the patroness of nervous and mental disease and have brought it about that her interest in these patients should be an inspiration to and an ideal of charity throughout the world. Grant that, through the prayers of this youthful martyr of purity, those who suffer from nervous and mental illness everywhere on earth may be helped and consoled. I recommend to You in particular
(Here mention those you wish to pray for)
Be pleased to hear the prayers of St Dymphna and of Your Blessed Mother. Give those whom I recommend the patience to bear with their affliction and resignation to do Your divine will. Give them the consolation they need and especially the cure they so much desire, if it be Your will. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.