[Greek] ἀσθενής (asthenēs), [Latin] infirmus: needy, in want, poor, subject to abuse (oppression), needing help, needing deliverance; Mt.25:39,43-44, Mt.26:41, Mk.14:38, Lk.10:9, Acts 4:9, Acts5:15-16, Rom.5:6, 1Cor.1:25,27, 1Cor.4:10, 1Cor.8:7,10, 1Cor.9:22, 1Cor.11:30, 1Cor.12:22, 2Cor.10:10, Gal.4:9, 1Thess.5:14, Heb.7:18, 1Pet.3:7
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means weakness, impotence, feebleness, sickness, hardship, being poor, and insignificance. Demosthenes’ Against Aristocrates 23.54 states “If a man kills another man in an athletic contest, he declared him not be guilty. His intention is to vanquish him unslain. If the other combatant was too weak to support the struggle for victory, he considers himself responsible for his own fate.” Xenophon’s Cyropaedia 8.1.30 states “And by making his own self-control (temperance) and example, he disposed all to practice the virtue more diligently. For when the weaker members of society see that one who is in a position where he may indulge himself to excess is still under self-control, they naturally strive all the more not to be found guilty of any excessive indulgence.” Herodotus’ The Histories 1.120 states “Even in our prophecies, it is often but a small thing, that has been foretold and the consequences of dreams come to nothing in the end.”
Old Testament: This term is related to several Hebrew terms. Such meanings include weak, feeble, thin, humble, lowly, humiliated, afflicted, wretched, weak of heart, afraid, and anxious. You shall not pervert justice for the needy among you in a lawsuit (Exo.23:6). Though I am afflicted and poor, my Lord keeps me in mind (Psa.40:18). Have mercy on upon me, O Lord, for I am weak (Psa.6:2). Do not be afraid or dismayed, be strong and of good courage (Jos.10:25). And what the land is, whether it is rich or barren (Num.13:20). As the Lord knows, the children are too young (Gen.33:13). The Lord is on high, but cares for the lowly (Psa.13:6). I dwell in a high and holy place, but also with the contrite and lowly of sprit (Isa.57:15).
New Testament: This term, used in various ways, can refer to a physical illness, moral weakness, spiritual ineffectiveness, a paradoxical theological sense, and a gender sense. Physical illnesses are illustrated for the purposes of Jesus’ calling others to serve (and care) for others and opportunities for His healing miracles. Moral weakness is found in with sinful behavior and disrespect. The elemental powers and the Law are ineffective in providing spiritual efficacy. The foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom. Likewise, the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. In a strictly physical (anatomical) sense, the female gender can be often the physically weaker sex.
Scripture:
“When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?” Mt.25:39
One must visit and care for the ill. This is part of Jesus’s commandment to serve others.
“For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.” 1Cor.1:25
True wisdom and power to be found paradoxically. To human eyes, the crucified Christ symbolized impotence. God’s power and wisdom are shown forth from the crucified Christ.
“On the one hand, a former commandment is annulled because of its weakness and uselessness.” Heb.7:18
Christ brings forth a new order, bringing a more efficacious sacrifice. The Law becomes only a shadow of things to come. The Law is insufficient.
Conclusion:
Infirm, infirmity, calisthenics, asthenic, myasthenia
It was interesting to discover the varied meanings of this term. In the Greek Hellenistic culture with an athletic code of conduct, physical weakness can lead to death. Xenophon provides a wonderful example of a public figure publicly showing self-control and restraint, providing an example for others.
In the Old Testament, this term frequently occurs. The New Testament and Jesus’ teachings expand on the notion of serving and taking care of the weak and vulnerable. Sometimes the sick (infirmed) are used to illustrate Jesus’ healing abilities for the glory of God. Moral weakness pertains to one’s inclination to sin. It is important to note that the Law now becomes spiritually weak (ineffective) in providing salvation for the person. Jesus provides a more efficacious sacrifice in providing salvation and everlasting life.
The paradox of the cross illustrates that Jesus’ weakness will conquer sin and the world’s power and wisdom. Christ crucified becomes a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles.
Sthenic means having a high or excessive level of strength and energy. (This word also sounds like a strong candidate for a useless word). Myasthenia gravis (grave muscle weakness) is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in the skeletal muscles.
For such a small and humble person, St. Mother Theresa offers profound wisdom and spiritual strength about serving God.
Let’s all hope and pray that our own public figures (politicians, clergy, and celebrities, etc) will show stronger moral character and conviction!
“Real true faith is man’s weakness leaning on God’s strength”– Dwight Moody
Update: August 29, 2019: In recent times, the United States is having to deal with the contentious issue of immigration of people into the United States from other nations. It is naive to think that this is a simple black and white issue. It is true that we are all called to help the weak and vulnerable. There is another side of this issue, which perhaps not has not yet received enough attention. Does a nation have a right to control its borders?
Yes.
What does Pope Francis say about this?
“Can borders be controlled? Yes, each country has a right to control its borders, who enters and who leaves, and countries that are in danger–of terrorism or the like–have more right to control them more…” (Interview with the Spanish newspaper El Pais on Jan. 17, 2017)
What does Pope John Paul II say about a nation?
“The term ‘nation’ designates a community based in a given territory and distinguished by its culture. Catholic social doctrine holds that the family and the nation are both natural societies, not the product of mere invention.” (From John Paul II’s final book Memory and Identity)
What does the Catechism of the Catholic Church say about the common good of a nation?
Political authorities, for the sake of the common good for which they are responsible, may make the exercise of the right to immigrate subject to various juridical conditions, especially with regard to the immigrants’ duties toward their country of adoption. Immigrants are obliged to respect with gratitude the material and spiritual heritage of the country that receives them, to obeys its laws and assist in carrying civic burdens. (CCC 2241).
Does a country have a right to control its borders?
Yes. A country, without control over its borders, has no borders at all.
What does the Catechism of the Catholic church say about the right of migration?
“The more prosperous nations are obliged, to the extent they are able, to welcome the foreigner in search of the security and means of livelihood which he cannot find in his country of origin.” (CCC 2241)
What does Pope John Paul II say about a country’s obligation to accept immigrants?
“These are the right to have one’s own country; to live freely in one’s own country’ to live together with one family’ to have access to the goods necessary for a dignified life; to preserve and develop one’s ethnic, cultural, and linguistic heritage; to be recognized and treated in all circumstances according to one’s dignity as a human being. The exercise of such a right [that is, the right to immigrated to a particular country] is to be regulated, because practicing it indiscriminately may do harm and be detrimental to the common good the community that receives the migrant.” (John Paul II’s Message for the 87th World Day of Migration 2001)
What does the Catechism of the Catholic Church say about the immigrant already in the country?
“Public authorities should see to it that the natural right be respected that places a guest under the protection of those who receive him.” (CCC 2241)
What does Pope John Paul II say about these immigration crises?
“The challenge is to combine the welcome due to every human being, especially when in need, with a reckoning for both the local inhabitants and the new arrivals to live a dignified and peaceful life.” (John Paul II’s Message for the World Day of Peace 2001)