Lay Healers

[emeraldcoast]

The apostles healed in Christ’s name, if I am following you correctly…The lives of the saints reveal power to heal, including the raising of the dead, St. Dominic, for example had this charism.

I find it interesting about St. Anthony Claret of Cuba…through the sacraments, he performed healings for the people. But when the physicians finally arrived, the work of healing then was transferred to them…

Christ is so humble, as a priest said, He does not want to be the ‘Do All’, and has anointed His people to extend His ministry…

Hi KathleenGee,
Do you have a good link for St. Anthony Claret of Cuba about his healing ministry and the physicians?

I agree that God wants to use all of us in His ministry–we just need to be open to Him to use us.

God Bless!

 

[guanophore]

Are there any bible verses that support the notion of lay people healing others through either prayer or touch? I have been invited to a non catholic healing session and dont know what to make of it? Is it based on scripture or not

There is plenty of scriptural and other support (from Sacred Tradition) for lay people healing, however, I am not sure that is relevant.

If you wish to go to a non-Catholic healing service for educational reasons (so you can learn what they do) this is ok, but allowing someone to lay hands on you is very risky. God is able, and does use non-Catholic healing services, but there are also destructive influences that use them as well. If you are interested in this kind of healing, it would be much safer for you to go to a Catholic source that is in communion with the bishop of Rome.

Healing prayer is something I don’t trust,

Don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater, Eucharisted. There is no more effective healing prayer than being before the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of the Lord. Every Mass is a healing prayer. We are commanded to pray for one another, that we may be healed.

Granted, there have been many abuses, but that does not negate the gift.

, be warned against lay blessings; no laity may give a blessing, only priests may give them, because only priests act in the Person of Christ, who alone can impart blessings.

This is not entirely accurate. We are all called to bless one another, especially our enemies. “Bless, and do not curse them” says our Lord. Parents should bless their children, making the sign of the cross on them at least daily. Only ordained persons can bless on behalf of the Church, and are empowered especially to act in the person of Christ. That does not mean the rest of us should withhold our blessings.

In fact, our whole lives should be one of bringing blessings, over food, homes, cars, workplaces, etc. This is how we are light and salt in the world.

Remember the instruction in James about the use of the tongue. “My brothers! Should the same tongue be a source of both blessings and curses?” This is written to lay persons.

If someone has the gift of healing, than be sure to look for signs of obedience to Christ and His Church, for if there is disobedience, than there too is the devil.

This is well said, and one of the most important signs of authenticity. Throughout history, many saints have been instructed to cease practicing various gifts. Their willingness to do this demonstrated their obedience.

Oh, and I think there is a difference between healing prayer and the gift of healing. The former is an attempt to master God’s Mercy, the latter is a service to God’s Mercy.

You will have to say more about this to help me understand.

 

[guanophore]

So its ok to pray for healing and this may work but lay people actually laying hands on the person has no biblical basis? I saw a sick women surrounded by people all laying hands and want to know why these very committed bible believing think its ok

Most non-Catholic Christians do not distinguish laity from ordained persons. When they read this verse:
James 5:16
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

They assume that anyone with a good prayer life can pray for healing for others.

Most consider this verse:

Mark 16:17-18
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

to apply to all believers.

Because they are “me followers”. They have set themselves up as gods, interpreters of the Scriptures. They believe what they want, because they believe they know what is best or what is Christ’s Will. Their zeal may be authentic, but their ignorance is just as well.

While there are people who are focused on themselves, and there are the ignorant, to characterize all those involved in the healing ministry as such seems quite bigoted to me. Those who have been received proper instruction are not this way.

Of course, this trickery is ancient, and as Saint Augustine said: “All heretics wish to be styled Catholic, yet if anyone asks them where is the Catholic place of worship none would venture to point out his own.”

This is a good point, and the reason that those interested in such gifts should confine themselves to ministries that are in union with the Bishop of Rome, and are properly under the authority of the local ordinary.

Does that mean it’s ok to pray that God heal someone? Sorry I’m still learning about Catholicism

Absolutely! The Apostle tells us in James “you do not have, because you do not ask”. Always and everywhere we should pray for healing, for ourselves, our loved ones, our enemies, and the whole world. We should always pray that God’s will be done. In a sense, every time we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we pray for healing. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Yes, it’s ok. To pray for health is different from healing prayer. Healing prayer is when people read the Bible in an attempt to heal someone or when laypeople lay hands on someone or when people superficially pray prayers (e.g., expecting of God a miracle rather than hoping and trusting in Him).

This does answer part of my question above, but I am still confused. I guess I have never seen anyone 'read the Bible in an attempt to heal someone". This does not make sense to me because Bible reading in itself is healing.

I am also not sure what a “superficial prayer” is.

It seems to me that expecting God to act is the same as hoping and trusting in Him. What is expectant faith, if it is not hoping and trusting?

 

[guanophore]

It is very obvious that you have never been to a Healing Service. Yes, guide can heal you and use all of us as instruments of His healing touch.

God Bless!

On the contrary, it seems to me that Eucharisted has personally witnessed a number of abuses in this area.

I have seen and heard enough of healing prayer to not trust it. As for Healing Services, you are correct.

And I must correct myself regarding blessings: Parents may bless their children. Here is more on that: forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=122933

My apologies, Eucharisted, I did not read this far before I posted a reply on these points.

I know that there was a post on the forum about during a Catholic Mass at Communion if a Eucharistic Minister can bless a child and if it is "kosher" for a priest to bless someone that can not receive Communion but approaches the alter at Communion with their arms crossed.  Quickly, I thought this was the most strange thing to not offer someone a blessing at that time.  I have witnessed the blessing given at my children's Catholic school and am greatful that they do it.

Why in the world would I limit my children only receiving a blessing from me or a priest. If you gave my children a blessing, I would be grateful. God moves us to bless those around us with his love–we should NEVER hold back extending a blessing to another.

God Bless!

Yes, of course, but we are talking apples and oranges here. The priest is ordained to bless in the Person of Christ that the laity are not. Lay blessings are important and encouraged, but do not embody blessing on behalf of the Church, as the priest’s blessing does.

Also, this is particularly important during Eucharist because the blessing given by the priest with the Precious Body and Blood comes sacramentally. The Laity are not ordained to give this blessing, so lay ministers going through the motions of it miscommunicates to the faithful, and causes confusion. Of course a Eucharistic Minister can bless anyone in the congregation, just as we all can. Such lay people can stand at the door passing out papers, and say to each person leaving “God bless you!” this blessing is different in quality from the priest’s blessing with the Eucharist.

I think healings take place from time to time by the intercession of lay people. God hears all prayers, and if He chooses to heal someone in response to someone’s prayer, then so be it. I’ve got an open mind regarding miraculous healing. It happens from time to time.

Miraculous healings happen. And they don’t necessarily require the intercession of a Catholic priest.

This is quite true

Paul wrote about laying on of hands, and he wasn’t writing to Catholic priests or bishops, as at that time they didn’t even exist. On the other hand, I haven’t got much trust in the hype of some of the more vocal televangelists. I don’t think their healings would stand up to prolonged scrutiny in most cases.

Paul mentioned the priests in his writing on the laying on of hands, and in some instances, he was writing to bishops he ordained himself. O fcourse the Catholic priests and bishops existed! In scripture, the word “presbyter/elder” is used. “priest” is a contraction of the Gk. presbyter. In James, it is written "call for the presbyters/elders (priests).

None of these activities should be conducted without the participation or authorization of the priest. When laypeople are in unity and obedience to those who are ordained to shepherd them, it prevents the abuses.

 

[guanophore]

You may as well call an Catholic evangelist sent into new territory a “bishop” if you’re going to label Paul a “Bishop”. He may have carried out the roles that a bishop would carry out, but there we no formal bishops or priests in the earliest church. That would come later.

And Paul was writing to a particular church, made up primarily of lay people.

No,Bob, you are very much in error on these points. good links were given to you,a nd I hope you use them. But, your ignorance in this matter is beyond the scope of this thread, so I will just encourage you to go to the links and become educated.

 

[emeraldcoast]

Paul mentioned the priests in his writing on the laying on of hands, and in some instances, he was writing to bishops he ordained himself. O fcourse the Catholic priests and bishops existed! In scripture, the word “presbyter/elder” is used. “priest” is a contraction of the Gk. presbyter. In James, it is written "call for the presbyters/elders (priests).

None of these activities should be conducted without the participation or authorization of the priest. When laypeople are in unity and obedience to those who are ordained to shepherd them, it prevents the abuses.

What is your understanding of Mark 9:38-50?

God Bless!

****By the way, I appreciate all the time you have taken in responding to all of the posts!

 

[Bill_Pick]

Healing prayer is something I don’t trust if it was working then Benny Hinn,Leroy Jenkins,and the other can shut down all hospital in world in about 2 or 3 days

 

[ricko]

You don’t say what church or organization is doing this healing. I have been to several non-denomination healings and have found them to be un-Christian. Especially those where everybody falls down “filled with the Holy Spirit”. I’ve never seen anyone actually healed. I think it would be good for you to go but I would not participate and let your friends know this.

 

[guanophore]

What is your understanding of Mark 9:38-50?

It seems clear that people are able to do “works of power” in the name of Christ, yet not be known or recognized by those persons appointed by Christ. It also seems clear that, when this occurs, those who have been authorized by the Lord should not prevent them or disdain that they have done such works.

God Bless!

****By the way, I appreciate all the time you have taken in responding to all of the posts!

This topic is one of intense personal importance to me.

 

[guanophore]

Healing prayer is something I don’t trust if it was working then Benny Hinn,Leroy Jenkins,and the other can shut down all hospital in world in about 2 or 3 days

Supposing that what they are doing is not authentic healing prayer?

 

[KathleenGee]

Emerald Coast,

I got the book, I think, from TAN books, a Catholic source, some time ago. Will look around for it.

There are healings being done in Christ’s name across denominational lines…it is a sign as well that the Lord wants us back as brothers and sisters under one roof.

Looking at the insurance system in this country, USA, and the great fear of not having insurance…first, we attach too much to this life…I met a woman from Brazil…well educated. When her mother was diagnosed with cancer, she completely accepted it and went on to her reward.

The other point is that people have alot of unhealthy eating and thinking habits. People have to work on taking better care of themselves…all a process in healing.

So beyond this, there is alot we need to recognize in the Catholic Church of the great work the healing ministry is doing through the charisms of the Holy Spirit. There are miracles. They are happening all the time across our country, but you don’t hear about it. I did from a priest…he had several cases where people had x rays showing tumors, they went for prayer and healing or the sacrament, and went back, and the tumors were gone.

God is good.

 

[emeraldcoast]

Emerald Coast,

I got the book, I think, from TAN books, a Catholic source, some time ago. Will look around for it.

There are healings being done in Christ’s name across denominational lines…it is a sign as well that the Lord wants us back as brothers and sisters under one roof.

Looking at the insurance system in this country, USA, and the great fear of not having insurance…first, we attach too much to this life…I met a woman from Brazil…well educated. When her mother was diagnosed with cancer, she completely accepted it and went on to her reward.

The other point is that people have alot of unhealthy eating and thinking habits. People have to work on taking better care of themselves…all a process in healing.

So beyond this, there is alot we need to recognize in the Catholic Church of the great work the healing ministry is doing through the charisms of the Holy Spirit. There are miracles. They are happening all the time across our country, but you don’t hear about it. I did from a priest…he had several cases where people had x rays showing tumors, they went for prayer and healing or the sacrament, and went back, and the tumors were gone.

God is good.

Kathlee Gee,

God is good!

I have looked online through some Catholic sites and I am unable find really anything about the following “St. Anthony Claret of Cuba…through the sacraments, he performed healings for the people. But when the physicians finally arrived, the work of healing then was transferred to them…”.

I read the following from St. Anthony Claret of Cuba…

“Love is the most necessary of all virtues. Love in the person who preaches the word of God is like fire in a musket. If a person were to throw a bullet with his hands, he would hardly make a dent in anything; but if the person takes the same bullet and ignites some gunpowder behind it, it can kill. It is much the same with the word of God. If it is spoken by someone who is filled with the fire of charity- the fire of love of God and neighbor- it will work wonders.” (Autobiography #438-439).
claret.org/en/claret/biografia.php

God Bless!

 

[guanophore]

Kathlee Gee,

God is good!

I have looked online through some Catholic sites and I am unable find really anything about the following “St. Anthony Claret of Cuba…through the sacraments, he performed healings for the people. But when the physicians finally arrived, the work of healing then was transferred to them…”.

I read the following from St. Anthony Claret of Cuba…

“Love is the most necessary of all virtues. Love in the person who preaches the word of God is like fire in a musket. If a person were to throw a bullet with his hands, he would hardly make a dent in anything; but if the person takes the same bullet and ignites some gunpowder behind it, it can kill. It is much the same with the word of God. If it is spoken by someone who is filled with the fire of charity- the fire of love of God and neighbor- it will work wonders.” (Autobiography #438-439).
claret.org/en/claret/biografia.php

God Bless!

While I wish he had used a more life giving analogy, the principle is certainly sound. You make a good point with regard to any ministry, incuding that of healing. If it is not powered by the love of God, it is counterfeit. If the minister is seeking his own aggrandizement, or serving ego, or the person coming is doing so in pride, not in humility and service, then it is all for naught.

Heal me Lord, that I might serve Thee.

 

[gearhead]

I think the people concerned are well intentioned and one guy thinks he has cured people of back problems but i would like to know are there any bible verses to support it or not?

Some caution might be appropriate here. I don’t want to get into a debate over whether faith healing can *ever *be genuine, but it is an area where there are a significant number of charlatans and fraudsters.

 

[Bill_Pick]

Some caution might be appropriate here. I don’t want to get into a debate over whether faith healing can *ever *be genuine, but it is an area where there are a significant number of charlatans and fraudsters.

have you ever seen a vido of Benny Hinn, whats not to believe…LOL

 

[emeraldcoast]

have you ever seen a vido of Benny Hinn, whats not to believe…LOL

Have you experienced a healing service at your own Church? You might just believe…

newsnet5.com/news/4224758/detail.html

God Bless!

 

[Bill_Pick]

Have you experienced a healing service at your own Church? You might just believe…

newsnet5.com/news/4224758/detail.html

God Bless!

Leroy Jenkins had a healing service here in my town and a woman had fits and Leroy said she was full of the Holy Spirit and not to touch her and 1/4 hour she was dead, Leroy did not let ant one call 911 I do not think Leroy has been back to town again…The press here said Leroy was taking care of thing out of court and in time it was all over

 

[emeraldcoast]

Leroy Jenkins had a healing service here in my town and a woman had fits and Leroy said she was full of the Holy Spirit and not to touch her and 1/4 hour she was dead, Leroy did not let ant one call 911 I do not think Leroy has been back to town again…The press here said Leroy was taking care of thing out of court and in time it was all over

Have you been to a healing service at your Church?? Was this man at your Church??

God Bless!

 

[Bill_Pick]

Have you been to a healing service at your Church?? Was this man at your Church??

God Bless!

NO I would not let him are Benny Hinn,Don Stewart or any of the other see my Church .I have watch some of them on TV and you can tell it is a joke One out of a 1,000 MAY get help

 

[emeraldcoast]

NO I would not let him are Benny Hinn,Don Stewart or any of the other see my Church .I have watch some of them on TV and you can tell it is a joke One out of a 1,000 MAY get help

Do you think that it is a joke when a Catholic Church has a healing service?? You do know that there are Roman Catholic Churches that do have healing services? By the way, I don’t know who Leroy Jenkins is…

God Bless!