Christ Jesus, teach me how to help people heal…

 
Luke 5:17-26

 
We all have family and friends – not to mention whole communities and countries – that need healing.  We can see it clearly! And our heart strings are stretched this way and that as we witness the suffering of those around us.  What to do?? When Jesus was preaching village to village, people would bring their loved ones to him, sure that he would know exactly what to do.  Things really haven’t changed that much in 2000 years. Like the friends of the bedridden paralytic, I too have friends and family members who are paralyzed by addictions, battered by social atrocities and systemic racism, and far too many community members – 70 all told – who have become so depressed that they have killed themselves.  But how to do I bring people these days to Jesus? The Paralytic’s friends, dug down through a roof to dangle their friend in front of Jesus.  I too need to find innovative ways to lay my people of concern at Jesus’ feet.  Together we can prayerfully bring our loved ones to the Master Healer and witness his work.  Like the paralytic’s friends, we may have our own preconceived notions about what kind of healing should occur.  This story points us in a better direction.. to let Jesus heal in his way, in his time, resting in the knowledge that Christ’s healing will be perfect for the person and probably very different from what we envision.  Will I bring my loved ones to Jesus for healing, trusting in his mercy and wisdom?  Christ Jesus, teach me how to help people heal, by bringing them to you.
 
 
Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure. .     (Psalm 147:5)
 
If you have a sick or lonely person at home, be there. Maybe just to hold a hand, maybe just to give a smile, that is the greatest, the most beautiful work.
Mother Theresa of Kalcutta
 
Soli ad gloriam
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