Healing Grace

Photo borrowed from the website bibleseo.com

One of the most significant homilies I have heard was the one given by Fr. Armand Robleza years ago, during a mass in the office.  I remember distinctly that the gospel was about the paralytic who was lowered down from the rooftop by four people, so that he could be presented to Jesus for healing. Fr. Armand encouraged us to identify at least four people in our own lives who were like the four in the gospel scene. Four people who were with us during our most difficult times, and whose  presence and guidance have helped us to rise up, just like the paralytic. People through whom Jesus' healing grace flowed on to us, with or without their being aware of it.

Fr. Armand's homily made me think of eight such people in my own life, whose presence and accompaniment I have been blessed to receive. People who taught me not by words but by their actions, what it means to consistently extend support to another during the other's vulnerable moments.  In this photo there are eight assisting - just like the eight I am truly grateful for!

May you also be able to identify at least four people in your own life through whom you have felt our dearest Lord's healing grace flow on to you... four people who have been there to carry you to our Master Healer when you really needed it.

Then let us pause and say a prayer of deep gratitude for them, that they too may be so blessed by our beloved Master Healer Himself   :o)


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