the message of suffering

there's a very good article that has just come out from the associated press on seeing the pope's illness as a powerful message about suffering. especially in a society such as ours where youth and vigor are extolled, and where the aged and infirm are "put away" so as not to be seen, the sight of the frail pope sends a powerful message about the inherent dignity and value of those who are sick and aged. the very nice thing about it is that this insight, which i have heard over the past couple of years applied to the pope's condition, is now being given prominent voice in major newsources such as the AP. the more people hear about this message, the better. read it here.