Illness and Suffering

A friend brought the following passages of the "Catechism of the Catholic Church" to my attention which cover illness and suffering. The last sentence in para. 1501 is significant: "Very often illness provokes a search for God and a return to him."

Then in 1502, we learn that "Illness becomes a way to conversion; God's forgiveness initiates the healing." In para. 1503 (quoted entirely), "Christ's compassion toward the sick and his many healings of every kind of infirmity are a resplendent sign that "God has visited his people" and that the Kingdom of God is close at hand. Jesus has the power not only to heal, but also to forgive sins; he has come to heal the whole man, soul and body; he is the physician the sick have need of. His compassion toward all who suffer goes so far that he identifies himself with them: "I was sick and you visited me." His preferential love for the sick has not ceased through the centuries to draw the very special attention of Christians toward all those who suffer in body and soul. It is the source of tireless efforts to comfort them."

In 1503, quoted above, "the Kingdom of God is close at hand" - I always thought that meant that the end is nearer, but as used in Scripture, it can also mean that when we ask Him to forgive us, and/or pray for healing, His healing of us brings His Kingdom closer to us. He heals us, so this sets into motion a strong belief on our part, a greater appreciation for His action that made us better, and as a result we will do more to honor Him, perhaps in a special way. And when He heals us of whatever we needed healing from, "he has come to heal the whole man." In other words, He doesn't only heal just that what gives us pain, be it mental of physical, His Grace is strong enough to heal our soul as well.

In the Acts of the Apostles, 9:32-35, "And it came to pass that Peter, as he passed through, visiting all, came to the saints who dwelt at Lydda. And he found there a certain man named Eneas, who had kept his bed for eight years, who was ill of the palsy. And Peter said to him: Eneas, the Lord Jesus Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed. And immediately he arose. And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him: who were converted to the Lord." In this one of many passages in Scripture where someone was healed, Eneas was healed immediately. And from that wonderful healing came additional conversions at Lydda.

Now I'd like to look at para. 1508 in the Catechism of the Catholic Church: "The Holy Spirit gives to some a special charism of healing so as to make manifest the power of the grace of the risen Lord. But even the most intense prayers do not always obtain the healing of all illnesses. Thus St. Paul must learn from the Lord that "my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness," and that the sufferings to be endured can mean that "in my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his Body, that is, the Church."

There are a number of people, some priests, often lay people, who have the Gift of Healing, one of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. In the above citation from the Catechism, please note the word "some" as in "The Holy Spirit gives to some..." - I do not think that all people who have been 'baptized in the Holy Spirit,' have this gift of healing, and it should be noted that in any case, God does the healing, not the person. The person acts as an intercessor. The people that come to mind here are Sister Briege McKenna, OSC, Father Ralph Di Orio, Mrs. Eileen George (Worcester, MA), Father Peter Mary Rookey, O.S.M., and Father Robert DeGrandis, S.S.J., and although I cannot recall, nor know the reputation of other healer-intercessors, there are a few who are so blessed by the Lord.

Some Catholics, particularly "cradle-Catholics" (generally, older people) who do not believe in the Charismatic movement, will not avail themselves of healing services sponsored by the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. Given that each and every Pope, since 1967 when the Renewal was founded, has enthusiastically given his blessing to Catholic renewal groups, a grass-roots program first sponsored by the late, Léo Joseph Cardinal Suenens (1904–1996), a leading cardinal in the Catholic Church and one of four moderators of the Second Vatican Council.

Those who believe in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal (myself included), urge each and every Catholic to attend healing services in parishes where they are made available, regardless who sponsors them. Those in the renewal have a personal relationship with the Lord, and if you do not have such a relationship, please seek instruction and information from priests and deacons in your parish. All of us will benefit by such a loving and close relationship with Jesus and Mary. The more we become a friend of Jesus, the greater inner peace you will find, and your prayers will be answered more frequently. A person who is distant from God, who does not enthusiastically embrace his Faith, will also be healed, because God is good, but in my view, such healing will occur less often, because those whose hearts are hardened will not recognize a healing when it is given.

Yes, God does the healing, but He has given us a special instrument ... a "free will,"
-- we can gratefully accept His healing, His Grace, but we also have the power to refuse Him. It is most unwise to refuse His goodness in any way, so let Him make you well. And then thank Him for his Goodness that brings inner joy!

God bless you!

Fred Schaeffer, SFO
10/2/2011