Why aren't people being healed today?

[bmullins]

I recently met a woman in Illinois who had gone to a local shrine, where they had many relics. She has Xrays of her sons body before he went to the shrine. His body was twisted and in many ways, broken. The xrays after and the boy himself, show no signs of the physical problems he had when arriving.

People ARE being healed, many in miraculous ways. The problem is the skepticism has made it difficult to talk about miracle healing, or many of them are simply written off as flukes and never talked about.

There was even a stillborn child in Peoria Illinois whose heart began to beat over an hour later. It is attributed to Sheen and you can find many articles about it.

 

[jcrichton]

I’m agree that the 2000 year history of the Church is powerful testimony, but I dislike the argument that:
“…the reason why those healings happened so often among Apostolic times was for the purpose of getting people to believe. Christianity was new, and the proclamation of Christ needed signs and wonders as a way to validate the message in order to leave people with no excuse to not believe.” (from above post)
I don’t really see any reason to assume that healings were needed then to get people to believe, but are not needed (as much) now…If miraculous healings truly convinced and convicted people in faith then - why would they not do the same thing now???

I have to say that, if I were a non-christian - unchurched - person and was looking into the bible and the Church and such I would not find this argument convincing at all.

Peace
James

…I think that the fact that the Church was in her inception and she needed to combat both Juadism and paganism, as well as the development of the prophecies, was a direct cause for the various miracles… as the Holy Spirit moved the Apostles and consolidated the Believers those miracles were no longer as important (check Jesus Word to Thomas: “…you believe because you have seen me? happy are those who believe without seeing me!”)

St. Paul also explains that signs are not for the Believers but for the unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:22-25)–there was never a guarantee that signs (miracles) would be in ever incleasing numbers–it is only Love that is eternal (1 Corinthians 13:8-10).

Maran atha!

Angel

 

[jcrichton]

Rom422,
Nice post.

But I’m afraid it made little impression on my hard head. It does not answer the reason that, “God in His wisdom granted the performance of these miracles to help the spread of Christianity in the early days” but then supposedly curtailed them in the later days.
Jesus tells the disciples that if they have faith “the size of a mustard seed” they can move mountains. Likewise Jesus promises that his disciples can and will do greater things (signs/miracles) than He did…of they have faith and do not doubt.

As Catholics, we believe that What Jesus taught was not confined to the first generation of disciples. Apostolic succession stands on this idea that his teachings and authority continue to today. So then should miraculous healings and for the same reason - to show the power faith in God and to build up the Church.

It is for this reason that I believe the problem is less about some sort of cessession where God has “withdrawn” or severely pared down the gift of healing, but rather it relates to a difficulty in our faith.

To use your engine and fuel analogy…Those who saw Jesus high octane faith and power likewise had high octane faith themselves…but over time, the purity of that fuel (faith) became less and the “octane” decreased making it harder and harder for the engine to run properly without sputtering and stalling out.
So - to me, the problem is less about God withdrawing his gifts than it is with us being unable to muster the courage, the trust, the “high octane” needed to exercise those gifts…

Of course there are those few who are truly pure in heart who DO exhibit the faith and trust needed, but for most of us…myself included…it appears to be to lofty a goal…

“I believe, Help my unbelief”…(Mk 9:24)

Peace
James

james, Jesus did not promise that His Disciples would perform more or greater miracles… He promised that they would do greater things… which happened: they suffered greater persecution, they suffered greater periods of imprisonment and most were martyred… but they also brought the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles and gathered more disciples for the Kingdom as they not only preached the Gospel but also developed the first Doctrinal Teachings and infrastructure of the Church… through the Succesion of the Apostles the Sacred Writings were compiled into the Bible and the Gospel is being brought to the whole world…

Maran atha!

Angel

 

[jcrichton]

Are there investigated cases of missing limbs being restored due to prayer?

…yeah, I head that some star fish…

Never heard of it; but this would only be as a test to God’s Omnipotence… I personally know of a guy whose mom had had several heart attacks; on one occasion he prayed to God that she would be protected and not die… her doctor found that where the heart had been damaged it was totalled… the rest of the heart was intact–he spoke candidly to them and explain that he could not guarantee that she would last a few months or even a few weeks… it’s been oven ten years since her doctor died and that lady is still alive today–only by the Grace of God!

Maran atha!

Angel

 

[jcrichton]

I am not an amputee but I see quite a few about, and was wondering why there is a lot of talk of miracle healing - someone knows someone who knows someone…but very little actual and recent evidence.

Stories of miraculous events that occurred in churches a long time ago are not great evidence. There was something of a competition between churches to get b*ms on seats by claiming miracles and relics that are now seen as dubious at best.

I think the whole idea of miracle healing is similarly undermined when cancers and other serious conditions can be cured miraculously (and with modern medicine) but God is not so much into re-growing limbs.

…right… God should be like a neighborhood supermaket where people could pick and choose as they desire…

…here’s the greatest miracle: God can, if you were willing, heal all of you and grant you Eternal Life.

May the Holy Spirit guide you!

Maran atha!

Angel

 

[Julia_Mae]

james, Jesus did not promise that His Disciples would perform more or greater miracles…

Sure He did.
John 14:

8 Philip said to him, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.”
Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?

Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves.
12
Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.

And so we see the Saints and those unCanonized who heal the sick, raise the dead, walk on water (or air, I suppose really) and so do all things Jesus did and in greater number.

1 Corinthians 12:

To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit. 8
To one is given through the Spirit the expression of wisdom; to another the expression of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit; to another mighty deeds; to another prophecy; to another discernment of spirits; to another varieties of tongues; to another interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing them individually to each person as he wishes.

Yes, there are miracles, yes, Jesus told us the Truth when He said with faith a person could do the works He did and yes, Paul was serious that we can have the gifts of healing and “mighty deeds” which means miracles.

This is the way it is supposed to be. The miracles never stopped and are ongoing. What we are missing is more people of faith so willing to follow Jesus Christ in total trust.

When you hold a flashlight, and you turn it on, who lights up the dark corner? You, who turned it on or the guy who invented the thing? While you can’t do anything without the guy who invented the thing, obviously. But it’s worthless unless you turn it on.

The question isn’t what happened to the miracles; the question is: what are we willing to sacrifice to bring Christ into the world?

That’s our job. The job of every single person.

 

[jcrichton]

Sure He did.
John 14:

8 Philip said to him, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.”
Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?

Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves.
12
Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.

And so we see the Saints and those unCanonized who heal the sick, raise the dead, walk on water (or air, I suppose really) and so do all things Jesus did and in greater number.

Yes, there are miracles, yes, Jesus told us the Truth when He said with faith a person could do the works He did and yes, Paul was serious that we can have the gifts of healing and “mighty deeds” which means miracles.

This is the way it is supposed to be. The miracles never stopped and are ongoing. What we are missing is more people of faith so willing to follow Jesus Christ in total trust.

When you hold a flashlight, and you turn it on, who lights up the dark corner? You, who turned it on or the guy who invented the thing? While you can’t do anything without the guy who invented the thing, obviously. But it’s worthless unless you turn it on.

The question isn’t what happened to the miracles; the question is: what are we willing to sacrifice to bring Christ into the world?

That’s our job. The job of every single person.

…not more or greater miracles… but greater works… Jesus is not suggesting that His Disciples would stop the sun from giving its light or restoring missing limbs or walking on water… the works of the Kingdom do sometimes include physical healing and even casting evil spirits but these are only signs within the realm of possibilities… for the major part Jesus’ works were the Preaching of the Good News and the establishment of the Kingdom (making disciples); Jesus did not set out to perform miralces as much as He set out to Minister to the Jews–His Command to the Apostles is not to go and perform miracles but to go and preach, to go and Baptize, to bring the Gospel to the world and to make disciples of the Kingdom:

Meanwhile the eleven disciples set out for Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had arranged to meet them. When they saw him they fell down before him, though some hesitated. Jesus came up and spoke to them. He said, "All authority on heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, make disciples of all nations; baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you. (St. Matthew 28:16-20a)

“As the Father sent me,
so I am sending you.”

After saying this he breath on them and said:

“Receive the Holy Spirit.
For those whose sin you forgive,
they are forgiven;
for those whose sin you retain,
they are retained.” (St. John 20:21b-23)

…again, the Great Commission does not include: perform numerous and wonderful miralces!

Maran atha!

Angel

 

[Julia_Mae]

…not more or greater miracles… but greater works…

In context, Jesus says: Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves. after which He immediately uses the word “works” again: … whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these …

Yes, He is referring to His miracles. And He is not referring to His disciples of the moment only, but to everyone, or anyone. This is some of the most unambiguous Scripture we have.

The facts are that those who love and follow Jesus do the works He did.

Yes, He did mean anyone who believed in Him would do the same works He did. Many Saints and others have done these works, heal the sick, blind and lame, raise the dead, levitate, for want of a better word. Which is how one walks on water.

I’m trying to figure out what you are denying? That He said what He said or that what He said happened?

 

[JRKH]

…I think that the fact that the Church was in her inception and she needed to combat both Juadism and paganism, as well as the development of the prophecies, was a direct cause for the various miracles… as the Holy Spirit moved the Apostles and consolidated the Believers those miracles were no longer as important (check Jesus Word to Thomas: “…you believe because you have seen me? happy are those who believe without seeing me!”)

St. Paul also explains that signs are not for the Believers but for the unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:22-25)–there was never a guarantee that signs (miracles) would be in ever incleasing numbers–it is only Love that is eternal (1 Corinthians 13:8-10).

Maran atha!

Angel

Actually my post was directed at the so call “cessesionists” who hold that the period of “gifts” (including miracles) ceased with the death of the Apostles and use the argument that I outlined in that post.

I agree that there is no guarantee on the number of miracles, but I DO think that there a clear clues in the Gospels as to why we do not see as many…

Peace
James

 

[JRKH]

Julia Mae,
Thank you for your wonderful posts above. They are just what I would have posted.

I would just add, as support for the references above, the passage in Mt 17:14-21 which includes this:
19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” 20 He said to them, "Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you."
A clear indication that the ability to do the things that Jesus did - to do the “Works” is closely tied to ones faith.

And just to be clear on my own position in this discussion.
I do not stand in judgement of the faith of anyone else. That is not my intent. The presentation of the passages that Julia Mae and I have put forth should rather cause each of us to look inside at our faith and trust in God.
When I read these passages and saw what they were pointing to it scared me…It has caused me to accuse myself for my lack of faith, my lack of trust in God and my horrible inability to overcome my lack of faith. I am like the man who declared:
“I believe! Help my unbelief!!” (Mk 9:24).

Peace
James

 

[Julia_Mae]

And just to be clear on my own position in this discussion.
I do not stand in judgement of the faith of anyone else. That is not my intent. The presentation of the passages that Julia Mae and I have put forth should rather cause each of us to look inside at our faith and trust in God.
When I read these passages and saw what they were pointing to it scared me…It has caused me to accuse myself for my lack of faith, my lack of trust in God and my horrible inability to overcome my lack of faith. I am like the man who declared:
“I believe! Help my unbelief!!” (Mk 9:24).

Peace
James

Another fine post, James. And I’m not accusing anyone, either, especially as I have cured so few lepers. But I have been thinking about what you wrote all day and first, when I read it, it scared me, too. Not because of lack of faith, but because I was having so many spiritual experiences and such I started to wonder how far I could go and… this is so cowardly … do I really want to be Padre Pio? And by that I mean, people who devote their lives to Jesus in the ways of saints like Pio and Francis, people who did the same miracles, also paid quite a price.

Now, that said, I also don’t think we are all called to go as far as saints we know about, but in faith, when I pray for someone, besides first acknowledging God’s Will is paramount and I have no clue what it is, I also have to own that I am doing something. Prayer isn’t good wishes or simple pleas, it’s the most powerful tool a human has. Prayer is a* thing*.

But realistically, some are called to have jobs and raise families or work in the slums of Calcutta and not heal the blind and lame and know the hearts of everyone. Still, with true faith, our intentions in prayer become part of a great stream emanating from the rest of the non-Saints used to acomplish awesome things here. We need the faith, even if we have a different kind of life. And I believe we do much more good owning the power we have that God intends for us to have and purposefully directing it.

This is my long-winded way of saying I think some version of humility gets in the way more than our supposed lack of faith.

 

[couponfit]

The gospels tells how Jesus healed many people who were paralized, sick, blind etc and even gave the power to the 12 disciples to teach and heal the people. I wonder with the church having healing masses and the congration praying over sick people, why is nobody healed like in NT times? Then you also have tv avangelists lke benny hinn who on tv “supposedly” heals many people and your miracle water cure which i think those are scams for money.

There are healing’s today. The catholic church is not set up to discern every claim of healing. As a result one much measure and discern their own healing and decide for themselves what that means to them. A healing is a personal experience and is meant primarily for that individual. The question is if there really is healing today then why do we work so hard to convince those who are healed they are not?

 

[JRKH]

Another fine post, James. And I’m not accusing anyone, either, especially as I have cured so few lepers. But I have been thinking about what you wrote all day and first, when I read it, it scared me, too. Not because of lack of faith, but because I was having so many spiritual experiences and such I started to wonder how far I could go and… this is so cowardly … do I really want to be Padre Pio? And by that I mean, people who devote their lives to Jesus in the ways of saints like Pio and Francis, people who did the same miracles, also paid quite a price.

A beautiful post. I can certainly relate to your concerns, and I think that this is a very important idea that you bring out. It is the idea of “courage”…and it is a big one and a scary one. I am an awful coward in such matters. I’ve seen what God asks of His great saints and do I want to go through that??
On a biography of St Teresa of Avila, she said, “Dear God, if this is how you treat your friends, it’s no wonder you have so few”… - a pretty interesting statement I thought.

Now, that said, I also don’t think we are all called to go as far as saints we know about, but in faith, when I pray for someone, besides first acknowledging God’s Will is paramount and I have no clue what it is, I also have to own that I am doing something. Prayer isn’t good wishes or simple pleas, it’s the most powerful tool a human has. Prayer is a* thing*.

Agreed - Very well said.

But realistically, some are called to have jobs and raise families or work in the slums of Calcutta and not heal the blind and lame and know the hearts of everyone. Still, with true faith, our intentions in prayer become part of a great stream emanating from the rest of the non-Saints used to accomplish awesome things here. We need the faith, even if we have a different kind of life. And I believe we do much more good owning the power we have that God intends for us to have and purposefully directing it.

As Mother Angelica has said, “We are all called to be Great Saints”. But let us remember that those who will be greatest must be the servant of the rest. So let us not despair of our callings or our gifts or lack there-of. Let us just continue to move toward God in the best manner we know how.

This is my long-winded way of saying I think some version of humility gets in the way more than our supposed lack of faith.

I think that if it IS humility, it is a false one. I might be wrong but it just feels that way to me.
After I had read through your post a couple of times the idea of courage came to me - as I wrote above. Many great Saints have been extremely humble before God and before men, but no great saint ever lacked courage. The same can be said for lesser Saints and for the many un-canonized saints in heaven.

Not that I am accusing you of lacking courage, but I can certainly accuse myself in this matter.

I dunno - I haven’t really thought it through much…
What do you think??

Peace
James

 

[Julia_Mae]

I think that if it IS humility, it is a false one. I might be wrong but it just feels that way to me.
After I had read through your post a couple of times the idea of courage came to me - as I wrote above. Many great Saints have been extremely humble before God and before men, but no great saint ever lacked courage. The same can be said for lesser Saints and for the many un-canonized saints in heaven.

Not that I am accusing you of lacking courage, but I can certainly accuse myself in this matter.

I should have said “false humility” but then I thought it sounded critical when - I just don’t have the right word. We think well, I’m not God, I have no power … and that sounds right, but somehow that also means I have no responsibility in this matter… so we don’t try and when Jesus says, “Anyone who believes in me will do greater things than these…” we gloss right over it.

Someone posted this link religious-vocation.com/differences_religious_orders.html in another thread and it has this quote :

According to Saint Therese, the existence of religious communities are so vital that, if one were to draw an analogy to the Mystical body of Christ, they would be considered the heart. Saint Faustina confirms this reality; “I learned that the world’s existence is maintained by chosen souls; that is, the religious orders.” -diary 1431

Why? Because they pray, they give up the world and pray and whatever work they may all do, they pray.

As for cowardice, I was called to prayer early on in my conversion, and, knowing nothing and without spiritual direction, pursued that calling. And things happened and amongst all my readings was that Scripture passage and I knew it was true. And to be factual, I ran away. I didn’t want to become anyone who would be beaten up by demons in my bedroom at night. I dunno. Would it have been worse than feeling like Peter when the cock crowed?

Now, although wanting to avoid making myself a topic, the question is: with all that was happening and knowing, not having faith, but knowing it was true, why would anyone run? How does cowardice enter in? In not beliving the same God Who loved me would take care of me and give me the tools and strength to deal? Maybe. So, I now have a very big set of letters on my wall that spell TRUST. My so far unattained goal.

I do not believe I am ever unique so this must be common to many. But I have an idea, what do you think of this: I think the problem for the average lay coward is: no community.

All these Saints had community. They were embedded in a concentrated ecclesia where they had support. You simply cannot chat up a neighbor in a laundry room about the latest miracle. Sadly, for the most part from those I have talked to, you also can’t talk to your priest. Every one I know who has pursued this kind of commitment and prayer has started through what I can only call a period of spiritual formation from above. Stuff happens. But we aren’t religious and the spiritual directors want to charge 500 bucks a week-end for a workshop and unless we bump into one another on forums, we are alone. I will tell you what I believe is fact: no Pastor wants a mystic in their parish. And they sure don’t want a whole congregation of them.

Anyway, that’s what I think. While no one can take the steps for us, we also can’t walk this road all alone. I sometimes think this is what Jesus intended the ecclesia to be and somehow, someplace, the royal priesthood got replaced by the loyal laity.

We can become the potter’s clay, and really let that happen, but we are still human, and we need one another.

 

[jcrichton]

In context, Jesus says: Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves. after which He immediately uses the word “works” again: … whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these …

Yes, He is referring to His miracles. And He is not referring to His disciples of the moment only, but to everyone, or anyone. This is some of the most unambiguous Scripture we have.

The facts are that those who love and follow Jesus do the works He did.

Yes, He did mean anyone who believed in Him would do the same works He did. Many Saints and others have done these works, heal the sick, blind and lame, raise the dead, levitate, for want of a better word. Which is how one walks on water.

I’m trying to figure out what you are denying? That He said what He said or that what He said happened?

I embrace everything Christ… what I doubt is that Christ Commanded His Disciples to perform miracles for the sake of showing off; the Great Commission is not about the extraordinary (check Mother Theresa’s works) but the Preaching of the Kingdom, the Baptizing of the people and the fellowship in the Holy Spirit–all attained through Divine Will but without the fan fare of the restorations of limbs, the mass cures, and the speaking in tongues (as well as other bling signs)…

Have you not noticed that the emphasis of the Apostles was not the power of performing miracles but the Preaching of Christ?

Was there a posting of: “…while Jesus fed thousands, Paul/Peter fed millions?”

Rather the posting has always been: Believe in Christ and you and your household will be Saved!

Maran atha!

Angel

 

[jcrichton]

Actually my post was directed at the so call “cessesionists” who hold that the period of “gifts” (including miracles) ceased with the death of the Apostles and use the argument that I outlined in that post.

I agree that there is no guarantee on the number of miracles, but I DO think that there a clear clues in the Gospels as to why we do not see as many…

Peace
James

Thanks, James!

…I get so involved I lose some of the content at times…

I have to cuncur with you; the Holy Spirit did not dry out after the death of the last of the original 13 Apostles–that’s a myth perpetrated by those who wish to deny Christ’s Incarnation and the Founding of His Church…

…as for miracles, I once witness a woman come out of her coma, after the Bible was read to her and a prayer for her Salvation was made… I believe now as I did then that the Holy Spirit interceded on her behalf at that moment and, in her spirit, this child of God surrendered her will and life to Christ… no fan fare but a new Life was risen!

Maran atha!

Angel

 

[JRKH]

Thanks, James!

…I get so involved I lose some of the content at times…

I have to cuncur with you; the Holy Spirit did not dry out after the death of the last of the original 13 Apostles–that’s a myth perpetrated by those who wish to deny Christ’s Incarnation and the Founding of His Church…

…as for miracles, I once witness a woman come out of her coma, after the Bible was read to her and a prayer for her Salvation was made… I believe now as I did then that the Holy Spirit interceded on her behalf at that moment and, in her spirit, this child of God surrendered her will and life to Christ… no fan fare but a new Life was risen!

Maran atha!

Angel

What a wonderful witness and testimony…Thank you for sharing this.

Peace
James

 

[JRKH]

I embrace everything Christ… what I doubt is that Christ Commanded His Disciples to perform miracles for the sake of showing off;

I hope that you don’t mind my popping in here…
I don’t think that ANY of us are suggesting doing ANYTHING for the sake of “showing off” (heaven forbid). If I or any of us have given that impression - please accept our apologies.
“Showing Off” implies “Pride” and as such has no place in the Christian life.

the Great Commission is not about the extraordinary (check Mother Theresa’s works) but the Preaching of the Kingdom, the Baptizing of the people and the fellowship in the Holy Spirit–all attained through Divine Will but without the fan fare of the restorations of limbs, the mass cures, and the speaking in tongues (as well as other bling signs)…

While I agree with all that you say the Great commission is, I disagree that it is intended to be limited. Since Jesus did not limit it, it seems unchristian that we should simply because we cannot do all that we might…

Have you not noticed that the emphasis of the Apostles was not the power of performing miracles but the Preaching of Christ?

Was there a posting of: “…while Jesus fed thousands, Paul/Peter fed millions?”

Rather the posting has always been: Believe in Christ and you and your household will be Saved!

Well, If we look at the ministry of Christ Himself we will see the same thing. Christ preached the Kingdom of God, not Miracles. The Emphasis was on “Seek first the kingdom and everything else will be added”. (Mt 6:33) The Miracles, the healings, were simply a part of the outpouring of that Kingdom which was so powerfully present in the King Himself.

I am not saying that each and every one of us should be able to “heal” miraculously. Paul himself speaks of how the gifts of the Spirit are spread among the faithful. But in good conscience I cannot accept that “healing” is not among those gifts and works included in the great commission.
At least no one has ever shown me a Bible passage saying that such gifts were to cease…

Peace
James

 

[JRKH]

I hope you don’t mind but I’d like to share a bit of my own journey in these matters…I’ll be brief.

In so far as “healing” and “miracles” is concerned, it really all began when my dear wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. This was not altogether unexpected as her father had died from it and indeed my own father was on that journey as well at that time.

I had not yet formally returned to the Church (I still needed and annulment) but that did not prevent me from hoping, praying and beginning to look into the matter of healing. I read some on the subject, I tried to increase my prayer, I made promises, blessed her with holy water and even acquired an “oil” from Little Audrey Santo and anointed her with that. I tried not to place this before God as a selfish request, but one through which we could and would bring souls to Him.

Anyway - as time went on and no healing occurred, I had to wonder why and ask many questions. I looked in the Gospels and found no limits placed on requests…Jesus says “And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith” (Mt 21:22) and this is repeated in similar ways in Mk 11:24, John 11:22, John 14:13, John 15:7, John 15:16.
Then of course there is the statement that we can move mountains with faith the size of mustard seed, as well as the promise that those who trust and believe will do the works of Christ and even greater works.
Yet - Try as I might in prayer, in desire, in hope, God did not grant my petition that my Dear Wife be healed - At least not yet…

So - What was I to do with this disappointment? What am I to draw from it? Where was the problem? Where lies the fault?
Do I place the fault on Faith, on Christ, on Scripture??? Do I lose my faith and deny Christ? - No I could not do that…I simply could not…
What then?
If I accept that Scripture does not lie, and if I accept that miracles and healings DO still, occur then the answer must lie somewhere else…
What did Scripture say?? Faith - the size of a mustard seed…Trust…Do not doubt…Faith…But the faith must be the “right kind”… More than mere belief…these issues of trust and confidence and acceptance etc all began to spin around in my mind.
That Was the answer…I cannot accuse God in this matter therefore I must accuse myself. It is me who is at fault. It is my lack of faith - a proper, full and trusting faith. It is my lack of conformity to God’s will, and desire to see my will completely in union with His. It is my lack of allowing, as St Paul expresses it, Christ to live in and through me.

With this new perspective I began to study more on faith and spirituality. I began to try to let go more, to trust God, to praise God, to Love God and worry less about whether DW was cured or not. That would be up to Him, though certainly I still asked…
Through this, the Holy Spirit was able to teach me many things. Mostly just how patient God had been with me, and how little I can be trusted with gifts, since I had so often abused them in the past.
I still struggle with this journey - my DW has not been healed, but I mostly accept that as God’s will for us. His miracle in many ways has been to bring us back into the Church just before DW lost her capacity to understand sin. She was able to make confession, and to receive the Holy Eucharist. She still does take communion when we are able to go…but thank God she is unable to sin.
As for myself, I still struggle for I am a poor and inconstant servant of my God. I take too much for granted in my own abilities. I am easily angered and short tempered. I am slothful, and I struggle with other vices as well.

Ah - well I find that I am getting “wordy” here…
In summary…my study on this matter has shown me that, far from being incapable of such healing, we - as a group and tending not to want to question our own faith - instead look outside ourselves for some explanation. Scripture does not support such a view.
When we fail to manifest the gifts of the spirit, we need to accuse ourselves. We need to look inside and find out where the fault lies in us. We may never manifest great spiritual gifts. We may never heal, or prophecy or levitate or “move a mountain”, but I DO guarantee one thing. We will learn a tremendous amount about what is holding us back from being all that we can be.

Peace
James

 

[JRKH]

My Dear Julia Mae,

I’m not quoting your wonderful post above because - fell frankly because - there is so much wonderful stuff in it that I don’t know how I could improve upon it.
I think that you and I have been following very similar journeys and have received very similar insights. We are, I believe, comrades on this journey.

I am so glad that you did not take offense that I mentioned terms like cowardice. I’m glad you recognized that I was accusing myself rather than judging you or anyone else…

Loved your comment about priests not wanting mystics and certainly not a whole congregation of mystics…I had to chuckle, because in all that I have seen and read on the lives of saints this is exactly true…The priests, confessors, bishops, superiors of whatever rank or station, are very skeptical of the mystic…
Of course I also think that this is a good thing - - to a point…

Your comments about community were also right on the mark. It can be difficult to balance the individual journey with the need for support in community. Both are important. Each of us must take the journey alone, but community is vital for many reasons - not simply for the support of prayer but for challenge as well. In reading stories of the saints, they often speak of brothers or sisters in community who were challenges to their charity. St Therese of Lisieux spoke of one such sister. Then there is the aforementioned challenges from superiors and confessors, forcing one to carefully question motives and ideas and paths.

Mostly I want to thank you for being here on CAF, and being a support to me in my own journey. Your posts speak so strongly to me.

Peace
James