Healing

Bible Reading:  After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace to this house!' And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.  Luke 10:1-9 (NRSV)

Reflection:

This week the church celebrates St Luke's day. St Luke is famous as one of the four Gospel writers. He was a Greek and is described in one of Paul's epistles as "my dear friend Luke, the beloved physician". (Colossians 4:14). His gospel writings have a very strong healing focus, as well as a social justice focus for Jesus teaching. Luke particularly highlights the role of women as he writes about Jesus' teaching and life. Because he wasn't a Jew his writings also have an "international" perspective to them - Jesus is not only the Jewish Messiah but the Saviour of the whole world. St Luke has long been the patron saint of healing and at this time of the year churches take time to pray for the medical professions.

The ministry of healing has been one of the privileges I have experienced as a priest. Over the years it has been so humbling to journey with others as they have undergone surgery, waited for medical reports, suffered debilitating illnesses that have made the independent person suddenly completely dependent on others, and I have sat with those who are dying.

As I have prayed with those who are sick one of the most important tools I have used as part of prayer is my "oil stock". This is a small container that contains oil that has been blessed by the Bishop at a special Eucharist on Maundy Thursday - the Thursday before Easter when we commemorate Jesus celebrating Holy Communion and washing his disciple's feet. Oil has from Jesus time been used to anoint the sick and dying. In Jesus time oil was used to cleanse and protect wounds, it was used for massage to soothe the sick, and perfumed oils were used to anoint the dead as part of the preparation for burial. Early Christians used oil as part of the prayers for the sick and dying as is evident in the Letter of James, "Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven." (James 5:14-15).

The ministry of healing is something we should actively practice here in St Martin's College. This year we have taken time to pray for members of our community who have been ill. Our prayers have been God's love in action and we rejoice that we have seen healing in both Steph and Cat these past few months. At our weekly communion service and muffins and meditation we regularly pray for those who are sick or have family members who are sick, there are opportunities at these services, or in private, for anointing and the laying on of hands.

Jesus came to bring healing and wholeness to a broken world, we are called to continue Jesus ministry - to be healers and prayers, to bring" the kingdom of God near" to our community.

Reflect this week: This week set aside time to pray for all who are involved in health care, for our government that it may adequately resource the health professions. Pray for those you know who are sick - that they may experience God's healing presence. Pray for those you know who are dying that they may experience the greatest healing of all as they enter into the fullness of God's kingdom through the gift of eternal life. Finally if you are studying nursing, radiography, dentistry, medical imaging, pharmacy or one of the other health related professions, pray for yourself that God will use you in the ministry of healing. Pray for God's guidance in your studies that you may be effective in your studies so that you can offer your gifts to God through the practice of your profession.

(Reflections are by Rev'd Jenny Willsher, Head of College, to support students of St Martin's College in their spiritual journey. Students are welcome to discuss the reflections further at anytime, just call in to my office.)