A Healing Hand - Weekday Homily Video

The other morning as I approached a medical center, I couldn’t believe how full the parking lot was … it was like Market Basket on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon! It reminded me of how our human condition is one that contracts illnesses. So we go to the doctor, get tests, and begin treatments, trusting in those who care for us to help us heal.

In the Gospel of Mark, we follow Jesus from the synagogue to the house of Simon and Andrew, along with James and John. It reminded me of how Sundays used to be going to 10:30 am Mass and then visiting family or friends.

As Jesus entered their home, He was told immediately of Simon’s mother-in-law’s illness. Back then there were no Urgent Care Centers to go to on Sundays. The fact that she was lying in bed with a fever tells you that it was serious. Without antibiotics, people often died from infections.

The Healing Power of Jesus

But Simon and his family believed in Jesus’ ability to heal those who were sick and so they turned to Him for their loved one. And unlike our doctors who need to examine, order tests, and then offer treatment, Jesus knew the problem; and through simply grasping her hand and helping her up, healed her immediately.

Her cure was complete to the point of being able to wait on them right after she had gotten out of her sick bed! Understandably, those present were overjoyed to the point of telling others, others who had relatives and friends who needed Jesus’ healing. And this included those who were possessed by demons; those who were battling for their spiritual lives.

It made me wonder, have we personally witnessed the healing power of Jesus, either for ourselves or loved ones? It might have been as dramatic as Simon’s mother-in-law, but most likely on a smaller scale. And, if we have, did we tell others about it?

Back when I was a physical therapist, I saw lots of people who were dealing with illnesses. My job was to help them to regain the range of motion, strength, balance, and endurance needed to live their lives. Often while talking to them, there was a spiritual and relational dimension affecting their health problems that they shared with me. I would listen and ask if they wanted me to pray for them, and if they opened the door, suggest they speak with their priest, minister, or rabbi to help them.

Hope and Faith

The people I met, who had faith in Jesus, even if they were wrestling with it, looked at their physical problems and limitations differently than others. They had hope that was based on their belief that Jesus could help them to heal and to cope.

As a priest, I hear about challenges with people’s relationship with God and loved ones, and sometimes they tell me about their arthritic knee or back problems, too. I tell them about Jesus’ wanting to help them to heal and to find peace. Sometimes by visiting them in the person of Christ through the Sacrament of the Sick and sometimes through their praying for one another together as family and friends.

That brings us back to where we began this gospel passage and where it ends. Jesus, James, and John had just come from the synagogue before they entered Simon and James home. Before Jesus and the others continued preaching and driving out demons, Jesus entered into prayer.

As we face our challenges in life, whether they are physical, spiritual, or psychological, Jesus is reaching out to us to help us to heal and to find strength and hope through His presence in our lives, through prayer and the Sacraments that we are blessed to receive when we need them the most.

• Today’s Readings

• Father David's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page. 

• To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Consider inviting others to join too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)