« back to all posts

Rise and Stand in the Midst: Family Reflection Video

Rise and Stand in the Midst: Family Reflection Video

Healing the family

Jesus heals more than boo boos.

The Elephant Man is a play and also a movie based on a real person who was terribly deformed. The man held hands with someone for the first time when a woman takes his more deformed hand in hers. After that, much of the spiritual healing in his life follows this very simple gesture.

Jesus today touches the man’s withered hand and heals him. Conveying the transforming power of God’s love into physical touch only emphasizes the healing power we have to heal those around us with just a simple touch.

Today we pray for healing among those whose spirit needs uplifting.

For additional reading: Today’s Gospel: Debates About the Sabbath

About Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C.

Father Wilfred J. Raymond, C.S.C. (Father Willy), a native of Old Town, Maine, is the eighth of 12 children. He joined the Congregation of Holy Cross in 1964 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1971. He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Stonehill College in 1967 and a master’s in Theology from the University of Notre Dame in 1971. He served in ministry at Stonehill College (1979-1992), Holy Cross leadership (1994-2000), National Director of Family Theater Productions, Hollywood (2000-2014), and President of Holy Cross Family Ministries (2014-2022). In addition to English, he is conversant in French and Spanish. He remains a diehard fan of the Boston Red Sox, even though he has served as Chaplain for the Los Angeles Dodgers.