Ministry of Care is based on the compassion and mercy shown for the sick in both the New and Old Testament and the never-ending message of hope. In the words of Pope Francis: “Mercy is the beating heart of the Gospel.”[52]  Understanding scripture will help you pray with the readings in the liturgies, offer scripture selections to people who may ask for recommendations, examine a biblical approach to suffering, and perceive how our mission as Ministers of Care relates to the Scripture messages.

Exegesis or Examining Scripture:
Read the scripture passage carefully several times, even writing it out. Situate the passage in its literary, historical, and liturgical contexts. Clarify the images, words, or phases which may be obscure by referencing one or more Bible commentaries or by using a Study Bible such as The Catholic Study Bible edited by Donald Senior and John J. Collins. Dianne Bergant teaches that reading the Scriptures has three components: the Author, the Message and the Reader. Reflect on not just the cultural context of the author, but your own cultural context and perspective as well.  What in the message calls out most strongly to you?