In today’s gospel, it states that besides preaching and teaching, Jesus “healed those who had need of healing” (Luke 9:11).

In today’s gospel, it states that besides preaching and teaching, Jesus “healed those who had need of healing” (Luke 9:11).

Because of the many miraculous healings Jesus performed (restoring strength the paralytic, straightening the bowed-over woman, ceasing a woman’s flow of blood, opening the eyes of the blind, cause the deaf and dumb to hear and speak, curing leprosy, and even raising the dead!), we might be tempted to limit His powers to physical ailments. Yet our Lord also offered spiritual healing through the forgiveness of sins and showing love and mercy upon those who were outcast and despised.

Christ is the Physician and Healer of both, soul and body. Thus, we should turn to Him not only in times of physical pain and anguish, but more importantly, during times of spiritual crisis, emotional distress, and moments of doubt.

Fr. John