When One Suffers, All Care: A Matthew 25 Approach to Breast Cancer Awareness
Every October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month invites us to practice the compassion of Matthew 25:31–46 in concrete ways. As a Matthew 25 Synod, we are called to see Christ in neighbors who face diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and grief—and to respond with care that is practical, equitable, and hope-filled.
Building Congregational Vitality (Focus #1):
Congregations grow more vibrant when they accompany people through illness with prayer, meals, rides to appointments, childcare support, and spiritual care. Awareness month is a natural moment to equip deacons, Stephen Ministers, and care teams, share survivor testimonies in worship, and host health fairs with local partners.
Dismantling Structural Racism (Focus #2):
Racial disparities in cancer screening, stage at diagnosis, and outcomes persist. As a public witness, churches can help close gaps by promoting culturally competent education, partnering with clinics that offer low-cost or free mammograms, and advocating for access to quality care in under-resourced communities.
Eradicating Systemic Poverty (Focus #3):
Cancer is not only a medical crisis—it can be a financial one. Congregations can offer emergency benevolence (transportation, groceries, utilities), connect families to patient-assistance funds, and accompany caregivers navigating time off work or lost income. Practical help communicates the gospel: “You are not alone.”
Ways to put love into action this month
Host a Screening Sunday with information on local mammograms and risk-reduction.
Create a small Care Fund for treatment-related costs (co-pays, transport, meals).
Invite a survivor panel or chaplain/oncology nurse to speak after worship.
Pray by name (with permission) for those in treatment and those who grieve.
Partner with community organizations serving Black, Indigenous, and immigrant women to amplify access and trust.
In the spirit of Matthew 25, Breast Cancer Awareness Month isn’t about pink ribbons alone—it’s an invitation to love our neighbors with presence, advocacy, and tangible support, so that mercy and justice meet at the heart of our life together.