Devotion - Monday, February 2

Mark 7:24ff retells the actions of Jesus in which two persons are healed.  Each time I read such stories I am reminded that the small portion of the Christian Community of which I am part is in the minority when it comes to continuing to look to God to perform such miracles.  In our sophisticated, modern minds, we don't think of persons as being possessed by demons which can be called "out" of the one who suffers.  If such a transformation is to come, we turn to  psycho-therapy or counseling.

Each time I read stories of healing, I am reminded that these stories bear witness to the truth about Jesus and I am challenged to expand my understandings and expectations.  I am called upon to trust that God does make radical changes in the lives of those who suffer.  And I know this to be true.

So, why then, do I more often express in my prayers gratitude for the doctors and nurses?  Why am I reluctant to name God as the agent of healing?  Even if I avoid putting God to the text by insisting that the outcome of the particular illness be to my liking, does that mean I should not see and speak of God's hand in the transformations I witness?

I do not presume that just because you are on this mailing list that you, like me, struggle with the topic of "healings."  But if you do, I invite you to join me in thinking of how we might expand our ability to see and name God's role in those who are healed and made whole.