“And when evening arrived, they brought to him many who had demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word. And he healed all those having diseases in order to fulfill what was spoken through prophet Isaiah” (Mt. 8:16-17). The mind of Jesus is to heal all the sick. A leper asked Jesus, “If you are willing you are able to heal me” Jesus said to him, “I am willing, be healed”. Immediately his leprosy was healed (Mt.8:1-3.) St. Paul said that we know the will of Jesus and we have the mind of Christ” (1Cor2:16). All those who have the Mind of Christ are prompted to pray for the healing of the Sick. Because healing of the sick is the will and mind of Jesus Christ. Mind of Christ is the mind of His Church. Therefore Church has two sacraments for the healing of the sick. They are: sacrament of confession and sacrament of the anointing of the sick. “Christ, the physician of our soul and body, instituted these sacraments because the new life that he gives us in the sacraments of Christian initiation can be weakened and even lost because of sin. Therefore, Christ willed that his Church should continue his work of healing and salvation by means of these two sacraments” ( CCCc 295).
What is the significance of Jesus’ compassion for the sick?
“The compassion of Jesus toward the sick and his many healings of the infirm were a clear sign that with him had come the Kingdom of God and therefore victory over sin, over suffering, and over death….”( CCC compendium 314). Therefore healing is a sign of the Kingdom of God that exists in this world in the person of Jesus Christ (CCC. 1503-1505). That Kingdom exists even today so the sign of that kingdom also must exist through the healings. Church is the Kingdom of God in this world. Therefore healing must take place in the Church just to testify that Church is the kingdom of God.
What is the attitude of the Church toward the sick?
“Having received from the Lord the charge to heal the sick, the Church strives to carry it out by taking care of the sick and accompanying them with her prayer of intercession. Above all, the Church possesses a sacrament specifically intended for the benefit of the sick. This sacrament was instituted by Christ and is attested by Saint James: “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call in the presbyters of the Church and let them pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord” (James 5:14-15) and ( CCC. Compendium 315).
Proclamation of the word of God is the prime duty of the church and priest (Vat II P.O.4) But this proclamation must be a process of healing, begins from the word of God, proceeds through conversion which is culminated in the sacrament of penance and Eucharist.( Pope Benedict XVI in his message on 20th world healing day on Feb 11,2012 Para. 2).
What we need to heal the sick?
“ To some God has given gift of healing to manifest the power the resurrection of Jesus….” (CCC 1508). Therefore to heal the sick, we need Charism of healing which is a special gift of the Holy Spirit ( CCC compendium 160). Many are healed, not all, through the healing prayers of the gifted persons (CCC 1508). But the Eucharistic Lord has the power to heal all the sick (CCC 1509). So as to receive healings, one may go for healing services of gifted persons and participate in the Eucharistic adoration and celebration of the same. Of course church does not discourage the people to take medicine which also has the power to heal the sick ( Sir 38:1-15).
Jesus sent his Apostles with authority to heal all the sick (Mt 10:1). Apostles and disciples went out and healed all the sick. In our time his disciples continue the same ministry of Jesus through the healing services all over the world especially in Logos and other retreat centres. All sick people are welcome to attend the healing services in Logos, Bangalore.
6 Areas of Healings
Body, mind, soul, family, finance and diabolical bondages are the main areas there we need healings.
6 Types of Healings
Instant- Mt.8:1-4- A leper was healed instantly when Jesus said I wished to heal you.
Progressive – Mk 8:22-24- Healing of the blind and Lk:17:10-17- Ten Lepers were healed on the way.
Distant- Jn 4:51 and Mt. 15:21-27- Centurion’s son and daughter of a woman were healed distantly. This is also can be called as Healing in proxy.
Gift of joyful suffering- 2cor.12:9- In view of the reward at present and future God allows (not gives) sufferings. Jn. 16:20- Jesus said that all your sorrows will be turned into joy.
Gift of immunity- Some people receive gift of immunity through prayers so that they may not have sickness in future.
Delegated healing- Jesus delegated His power to His disciples and they went and healed many who were sick ( Lk.9: 1-2).
How did Jesus and Apostles heal the sick? (Means of Healings)
By using the word- 8: 16- Used the word to bring healing and Deliverance.
Laying on hands – 6:5- Jesus laid his hands and healed the sick
Saliva- Mk. 8:23- Jesus spat in his eyes…. And healed him
Saliva, mud, water- Jn 9: 6-7- Jesus applied all these elements and healed a blind man.
Using oil - 6:13- They applied oil and healed the sick
Shadow - Acts 5:15-16 Shadow of Peter healed many people.
Kerchief- Acts 19:12- Kerchief that touched the body of St. Paul healed the sick and possessed.
Sources of Healings
God- Ex.15:26- I am the God who heals you
Word of God- Ps.107:20- God sent His word and healed the sick
Some persons who have the gift of healings - CCC 1508 “The Holy Spirit gives to some a special charism of healing so as to make manifest the power of the grace of the risen Lord. But even the most intense prayers do not always obtain the healing of all illnesses. Thus St. Paul must learn from the Lord that "my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness," and that the sufferings to be endured can mean that "in my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his Body, that is, the Church."
Blessed sacrament - CCC- 1509 "Heal the sick!" The Church has received this charge from the Lord and strives to carry it out by taking care of the sick as well as by accompanying them with her prayer of intercession. She believes in the life-giving presence of Christ, the physician of souls and bodies. This presence is particularly active through the sacraments, and in an altogether special way through the Eucharist, the bread that gives eternal life and that St. Paul suggests is connected with bodily health”.
Saints, Relics and blessed objects – Vat II- LG 11
Blessed virgin Mary- There are many healings in Velankanni and Lourdes through the intercession of Mary.
Pilgrim centres and certain places – Jn. 5 reveals that Pool at Bethesda healed many people during the time of Jesus.
Medicine and prayer. Sira 38: 1-15- Doctors, medicine, surgery etc are considered as scientific method of healings.
Conclusion
The compassion of Jesus is the basis of all healings (Mt. 14:14). He had compassion for the crowd so He healed all the sick among them. Jesus is same yesterday, today and forever (Heb 13:8). Therefore there is a big chance to be healed from all our infirmities through our prayers. Above all if we have the compassion of Jesus, we also will heal all the sick as Jesus and Apostles did.