Touch is a central part of our lives. It’s one of our senses, it’s a way through which we experience the world. We hug in greeting or to comfort, we hold hands with kids so we don’t lose them in a crowd, and rub a baby’s back to soothe. Those everyday touches can change the moment and can have a healing power in our lives.
Let’s look at how Jesus healed people. He spoke the healing words over people, but he also used his hands. We can be like Jesus in that way, we can bring comfort and healing to others. When you visit someone who is very sick, you instinctively touch their arm, letting them know you are there. When kids fall down, we hug them or pick them up and often they stop crying.
The disciples went out and followed Jesus’ example and healed people as well. Many miraculous healings are documented by the Catholic church. We attribute “healing hands” to health professionals whose patients get better, are soothed.
I can’t explain miraculous healing to you, but I do think it’s a combination of a few things. The faith of the person being healed, the faith of the person laying hands on them (often on their head, like when you receive a blessing from a deacon or priest), and the power of God.
When you visit Lourdes or even local parishes, there are often “healing masses”. It is a mass, yes, but usually the sick are prayed over. Being prayed over is when one (or many) people do exactly that, some may touch the person gently on the shoulder or head and they pray for God to heal the person. It’s a powerful experience to many.
Healing comes in many forms. We need physical healing sure, but we also need spiritual healing. In the Bible, there are many instances of physical healing, but the spiritual healings are uncounted. There would be too many, I suspect. Healing flows in many directions, from God to us, from us to others.
Where do you need healing today? Ask God for help, talk to a supportive friend or family member. How can you be a healing force in someone else’s life today? Let’s be like the disciples today and spread God’s word and healing today to the world.
I agree!