In a curious story, Jesus’ disciples return to their teacher, rather proud of themselves. (Mark 9:38-41) They report: “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him because he wasn’t one of us.” They expect to be congratulated for maintaining the purity of Jesus’ teaching. Instead, Jesus tells them not to stop him, for despite his being a stranger to them, he is doing God’s healing work. There are many pathways to healing... Read more
Most healing is gradual and imperceptible. The healing of a sight impaired man is interesting simply because it is recorded in Mark’s Gospel (Mark 8:22-26). When Jesus first lays hands on the man, all he can see is a blurred vision of the world. Jesus has to touch him a second time for him to see clearly. There are no fireworks here, no falling down in spiritual ecstasy, no dramatic “get up and walk” narrative. Healing takes time and most... Read more
In the healing of a speech and hearing impaired man, Jesus employs spittle along with healing touch. Spittle was vested with curative power in the ancient world. While today, we might consider spittle a folk remedy, it was seen as medicinal in Jesus’ time. From our 21st century perspective, we would say that Jesus was joining prayer and contemporary technical medicine to cure this man. There is nothing oppositional between technological medicine and healing prayer or laying on of hands.... Read more
Most scholars agree that the original version of Mark’s gospel ends at Mark 16:8. There is no image of a physically resurrected Christ, just the promise that Christ is going ahead of us. Now, I happen to believe the resurrection reflects the real experience of transformed lives. But, its truth is in the rolled away stone and the empty tomb, not some life-like replica of human embodiment. “Who will roll away the stone for us?” is not just the women’s... Read more
Good Friday means you don’t have to suffer anymore. While following your dream – God’s vision for you – may entail sacrifice, it is not demanded, nor does God desire that you suffer to find healing and wholeness. Jesus came that we might have life in its abundance. While we may choose to sacrifice (and choice is key) for the well-being of others, for example, we go to the pharmacy at 3:00 a.m. for our child or partner or spend... Read more
Mark 6:53-56 states that all who touched the fringe of Jesus’ garment were healed, regardless of the disease. While this might imply some sort of magic or supernaturalism, the point of this passage is that God responds to every situation of pain and illness, whether of mind, body, spirit, or relationships. God seeks abundant life for all of us, and perhaps just a little faith, touching the fringe of Christ’s garment, can transform our lives. Our faith is not omnipotent... Read more
Today, many people suffer from hurry sickness. Their attitude toward time is literally killing them. Many of us multi-task, go from project to project, make ourselves available 24/7, and don’t know how to let go of our tasks when we’re off duty. Hurry, or time sickness, is a matter of attitude; it is also a spiritual issue. Mark 6:30-46 describes a rhythm of action and contemplation as an antidote to burnout, brown out, and compassion fatigue. The passage contains a... Read more
Healing is all about celebration. It’s about being freed to live joyfully and abundantly. This is the point of the conclusion of the story of the healing of Jairus’ daughter. “Jesus told them to give her something to eat.” Now, let’s be real here. Jesus didn’t just request unleavened bread; in a time of great joy, you eat celebrative food. Spirituality is not about being dour; nor is healing about solemnity. It is about wonder, awe, praise, and celebration. In... Read more
An African proverb says that “it takes a village to raise a child.” It also takes a village to experience healing and wholeness. There are no self-made persons or rugged individualists. While agency and creativity vary from person to person, each of us emerges from a many-faceted universe that supplies the majority of materials for our personal transformation. Our freedom is always conditioned and shaped by our environment. Some environments are more or less conducive to nurturing freedom and innovation.... Read more
Medical research and personal experience alike proclaim the importance of faith and a positive attitude in health and healing. Researchers have long spoken of both the placebo and nocebo effects. In both cases, belief shapes biology, for good or for ill. Positive attitudes enhance the immune system and promote well-being. Negative attitudes can depress the immune system and make us more susceptible to illness. This is the meaning of the “faith factor” in healing and wholeness. In the story of... Read more
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