Healing!
Healing. I have been thinking a lot about that, especially this weekend. I struggled all weekend with head aches. 
Normally I when I get a head ache I take a couple of over the counter meds and it goes away. Occasionally I have something a little more persistent and then its a matter of laying down. Eventually I fall asleep and when I wake up its gone. Not this weekend. I could dull the pain but it never quite went away. Even now I am have a hint that its there just waiting for the right set of circumstances and it will pounce. I am waiting until the Doctors office opens to make an appointment. Maybe I get some answers as to what is going on. In the mean time I have taken my blood pressure and check other possible causes just to make sure I shouldn’t have gone into urgent care. Illness and disease has been a constant in my life. Since a small child I was either getting over something or coming down with something. Right now I take so many pills its hard to keep track of why, when and what for. I try not to let it get me down or allow whatever is going on in my life to stop me but occasionally it does, like this weekend. Good thing there was nothing major going on.
In today’s Gospel at Mass we hear of Jesus being set upon by the people of Gennesaret seeking healing for themselves, friends and family. In the reading (Mark 6:53-56) we hear that the people: scurried about the surrounding country. I don’t know about you but the imagine those words brings to mind is people scurrying like mice across the floor — hidden, in secret, in fear. They know if they don’t act quickly they will loose out but they also know they are taking a chance so they move fast but cautiously knowing they risk something. It seems funny that this would be the image I would have. In the movies and such we have these scenes of people bringing their ill to Jesus and they might be timid in their demeanor but they are not mouse like. Maybe the translators used the wrong word but then everything I have been told, everything I have studied and read says that the Word of God is inspired and that there is purpose in the relationship we are drawn into with the Bible and God’s Word. So, what is the purpose of this image… at least for me?
In our American society (since its the only one I know and therefore can speak of) there seems to be some shame in illness. It is expected in the old and we cry about the young but for the rest…, it seems that people understand illness as being something more then what it is. Like we have some controls over getting sick. So, like the people of Gennesaret we scurry around pretending like nothing is the matter, which gets others sick if what we are suffering from is a cold or the flu; or we ignore the problem hoping it will go away until it brings a halt to our daily functions.
In truth for some health issues, and please hear me when I say SOME, shame may be an appropriate response. Why? Because we have the power within us to heal ourselves. I am overweight. With that has brought on high blood pressure and potentially type 2 diabetes among other things. I have arthritis, mostly in my hands. More and more I read about how some arthritis symptoms can be eased by eliminating certain foods. I can heal myself if I would care enough to do something about it. Even in those cases I can’t heal the illness I may be able to do something to deal with the symptoms such as with my Seasonal Affective Disorder. My choices. But again hear me, there are some health issues that we cannot control neither the disease nor the symptoms. There is no shame in that. When I was six years old I contracted Gillian Barre Syndrome. My fault? I think not. My 
challenge (and I speak mostly to myself) is to recognize the fact that there is much I can do about my general health — why am I not doing something about it?
Again, I have no answers. Only more questions. Some issues that I know that if I am going to go into the next chapter of my life I should resolve so I would know more health and well-being. Lent is coming. Lent is a time to heal, to seek healing of the heart and soul and sometimes the body follows. So, I will continue to open my mind and heart to the Word of God and ask for God’s healing. I remain, your servant in Christ,
Theresa
Tags: healing, Illness, Mark 6:53-56, shame, taking control
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March 26, 2009 at 1:10 pm
Hi
I stumbled across your blog while looking for images of praying hands.
Since I’m involved in healing rooms Scotland I had to stop and read the first post about healing. Have you ever tried asking someone to lay hands on you and pray for your healing? Jesus still heals today, you know. I’m not a Catholic but we have Catholics on our team and I love them. I also found a book by Francis McNutt very helpful on this subject, ‘The Prayer that Heals’. I believe he’s also written one called ‘Healing’, but I haven’t read that one.
Also Healing Rooms came to us from the States so there might be one near you.
God bless you
Joanna
March 27, 2009 at 1:10 pm
Joanna
thank you for your comment. Yes, I have had hands of healing laid on me — many times. In the Catholic Church there is a sacrament called the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick in which prayer, holy oils and hands are laid on the individual. I believe deeply in this sacrament and the healing power of Christ. I have also read the two books you are referring tow. Francis McNutt is Catholic and has done an excellent job explaining the healing power of faith, prayer and Christ.
God bless you and the work you do
Theresa