September 18
. . . They will place their hands on sick people, and
they will get well. Mark 16:18
Each of us has something in our life that is in need of healing; something physical, emotional or spiritual that
is just waiting to be restored to a state of wellness. It is part of being human. As a friend of mine always says, “Everyone has a story.” When we look about us, the evidence is everywhere. All we have to do is listen to the words of those around us, or have access to news, to grasp that there is much suffering in spirit and body in
our world today. Although there are some who appear to be on top of the world, have everything going their
way so to speak, and others who visibly seem to be enduring great suffering; in reality, we mistakenly form opinions by appearances only. The person who seems to have everything going well for them may be suffering great emotional and/or spiritual distress actually; while the one enduring much suffering may be very much at peace, filled with courage and hope.
Some people attend “Healing Services.” Witnessing and participating in the prayer, music, placing on of hands, and community experienced there, can be emotionally and spiritually uplifting for them. There are many verbal and documented accounts of healings during these services that involve the placement of hands on the sick. And nearly everyone knows someone who possesses that special touch, that ability to improve the condition of the body and spirit with the work of their hands. Two very special massage therapists immediately come to mind, one of which is one of my daughters, and the other, a very dear friend; and then there are the many healers in the medical profession. How about the special individuals in our lives who have that optimistic quality about them that inspires and renews us just by their presence! How much better we feel being with them! How often have they healed a broken spirit without even knowing?
This passage in Mark reminds us that we all have the gift of healing in our hands. It reminds us that in our humanity, blessed by God’s Holy Spirit, we are capable of assisting one another to the fullness of life, in
healing love. And when we are in need of healing, God promises us wellness. The question is, will it be physical, emotional or spiritual?
God of all creation, heal us in our suffering!
Copyright© 2013 Kathleen A. Matson
. . . They will place their hands on sick people, and
they will get well. Mark 16:18
Each of us has something in our life that is in need of healing; something physical, emotional or spiritual that
is just waiting to be restored to a state of wellness. It is part of being human. As a friend of mine always says, “Everyone has a story.” When we look about us, the evidence is everywhere. All we have to do is listen to the words of those around us, or have access to news, to grasp that there is much suffering in spirit and body in
our world today. Although there are some who appear to be on top of the world, have everything going their
way so to speak, and others who visibly seem to be enduring great suffering; in reality, we mistakenly form opinions by appearances only. The person who seems to have everything going well for them may be suffering great emotional and/or spiritual distress actually; while the one enduring much suffering may be very much at peace, filled with courage and hope.
Some people attend “Healing Services.” Witnessing and participating in the prayer, music, placing on of hands, and community experienced there, can be emotionally and spiritually uplifting for them. There are many verbal and documented accounts of healings during these services that involve the placement of hands on the sick. And nearly everyone knows someone who possesses that special touch, that ability to improve the condition of the body and spirit with the work of their hands. Two very special massage therapists immediately come to mind, one of which is one of my daughters, and the other, a very dear friend; and then there are the many healers in the medical profession. How about the special individuals in our lives who have that optimistic quality about them that inspires and renews us just by their presence! How much better we feel being with them! How often have they healed a broken spirit without even knowing?
This passage in Mark reminds us that we all have the gift of healing in our hands. It reminds us that in our humanity, blessed by God’s Holy Spirit, we are capable of assisting one another to the fullness of life, in
healing love. And when we are in need of healing, God promises us wellness. The question is, will it be physical, emotional or spiritual?
God of all creation, heal us in our suffering!
Copyright© 2013 Kathleen A. Matson