Become a Source for Healing

Beginning just minutes after we wake up, our day is filled with human interactions. One the street, at work, in the marketplace, around every corner we have a chance to turn someone away from God, or to become a source of healing. How we interact says it all.

Timothy, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me before many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier on service gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to satisfy the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hardworking farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will grant you understanding in everything.  Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descended from David, as preached in my gospel, the gospel for which I am suffering and wearing fetters like a criminal. But the word of God is not fettered. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus with its eternal glory.

2^nd Timothy 2.1-10

Being a source for healing can take many forms. Doctors evaluate and prescribe therapies. Surgeons make deep wounds in the flesh to remove dangerous cancers. The healing process is often painful, but the result is comfort. How the doctor or surgeon interacts says it all.

In medicine we call that a ‘bed side manner’ and, let’s be honest, some doctors are better than others. Some of the greatest surgeons are among the worst when it comes to how they interact with patients. That opens doors to nurses, who keep us calm and encourage our treatment.

It is no accident that today’s blog references medicine. Today is the Feast of Saint Panteleimon, the Great Martyr. He was one of the unmercenary doctors of the Church. His name says it all. He was known to be ‘all-merciful’ when he interacted with the sick. He is our inspiration today.

When we encounter someone on the street, stranger or friend, how we interact with them will be the catalyst either for Christ to heal them, or for them to walk away. We may have the perfect medicine, Christ Himself, but if we have a poor ‘bed side manner’ it does them no good.

Think of yourself as ‘that nurse’ who keeps us calm during chemo treatments. The nurse knows, and we know, the treatment is rough but needed for our healing. The Church has the treatment and sometimes it will be as painful as chemo. We just must realize that.

Some illnesses require deep wounds of a surgeon. Our soul is often more wounded than we are willing to admit. But just as the best surgeon cannot help us if we are not honest with the doctor, the Church cannot help us if we are not honest with our spiritual father or priest.

I think what makes the best nurse, is experience. The more the nurse experiences, the more the nurse can help us understand our illness and treatment. That is where you and I are nurses. Only when we can admit our experience with illness and healing can we help others heal.

Today I invite you to focus on your need for healing and how the Church helped you. Then, with experience, be a source of comfort for those you encounter on the street. Don’t badger them. Comfort them. Don’t lie to them either because everyone knows chemo is painful.

We must learn to soothe the pain of others before we can ever become a source for their healing. Christ is the healer and His Church is His hospital. We are His doctors and nurses. Whether someone comes to Him for healing will always depend on our bedside manner.