The Very Rev. Randolph Marshall Hollerith

Today’s Gospel: Mark 5:1-20

Do you believe that Jesus can heal? Do you believe that he actually healed all those people mentioned in the Gospels? More importantly, do you believe he can heal you? Is the possibility of this kind of occurrence even within your epistemological wheelhouse? Does divine healing fit into your world view?

The Gospels make no bones about it, Jesus spent a significant portion of his ministry healing people. He did it all those years ago, and if we place any stock in the promise of the empty tomb, then the risen Christ is doing it now too.

I’ve seen a lot of tragedy in my 28 years of ordained ministry, but I’ve also seen a lot of healing. I’ve seen some very sick people healed from disease in ways their doctors could not explain. I’ve seen some other very sick people find profound healing and peace even though they died from the disease they battled. I’ve seen people with deep emotional and psychological wounds find healing, much to their own amazement. I’ve seen scores of people healed from the possession of addiction, people who are now gratefully living one day at a time. Healing comes in many forms, but you can’t ask for something if you don’t think that something is possible.

Does Jesus heal? I’ve staked my life on it. I’m not interested in debating the supernatural versus the wonders of medicine–God’s in all of it. I believe that love heals, and therefore the God of love can heal anything. Will you ask for the love of God to fill your heart. Will you invite Jesus into your life and invite him to mend what ails you?

Randy+

O God, the source of all health: So fill my heart with faith in your love, that with calm expectancy I may make room for your power to possess me, and gracefully accept your healing; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP p. 461)