“And power was with him for healing”

It seems like today, many people are suffering from various kinds of illnesses ranging from cancers, lung and heart problems, diabetes, stress, fatigue, and especially mental health issues. Sometimes, the number of people asking for prayers for themselves or loved ones feels overwhelming. There is so much suffering and a profound need for the healing power of Jesus, particularly through the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

A quick thumb through the synoptic Gospels reveals countless times and circumstances that the sick came to Jesus for healing. Matthew and Luke, in particular, indicate numerous times that crowds of people came with various ailments, wanting to be healed by Jesus, their Primary Care Physician! It is astounding to hear such statements by the evangelists: “And he went about … healing every disease and every infirmity among the people … and he healed them all” (Mt 4:23, 24). 

The evangelists did not specify the type of healing these people experienced, but they were healed. This is still the case today! Although we might initially think only of physical healings, Jesus seeks to heal the whole person, soul and body, for we are embodied spirits. As understood in the New Testament, healing involves restoring wholeness.

One encounter in the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 5:17-26, stands out in terms of healing soul and body and demonstrates the true purpose of Christ’s healing power. The event opens up with an electrifying statement: “And power was with him for healing” (5:17). Was it something in Jesus’ demeanor, the soothing words in his preaching, or just a sense of the charisma of being in his presence? Whatever the case, Luke perceives something fascinating is about to happen, typically when Jesus gets involved. 
Four friends carry their friend on a stretcher and try to get to Jesus but are unable to because of the crowd. They decide to do something dare-devilish by climbing up on the roof, tearing a hole in it, and lowering their friend down in front of Jesus. Couldn’t they have just waited outside for Jesus to finish up? Indeed, that must have crossed the mind of the owner of the house, who now has to file an insurance claim. 

Indeed, we should be amazed at the sheer determination of this man’s friends, who could not wait any longer to get him to Jesus. And Jesus recognizes their faith: “seeing their faith …” (5:20. It is because of their faith that Jesus heals this man. This reminds us that faith is something communal. So often, parents or relatives of a loved one ask for prayers and call for a priest to come and anoint someone. 

What happens next is decisive: “Jesus said to the paralytic: your sins are forgiven” (5:20). Naturally, this raised some eyebrows, especially from the scribes and Pharisees. Too, I wonder if the paralytic’s friends, and maybe the paralytic himself, were not a little disappointed. After all, doesn’t Jesus see that he is paralyzed? He doesn’t need absolution – however good that might be; he wants to walk – he needs physical healing! 

The ones who let down their friend have been apparently ‘let down’ by Jesus. This may be our initial reaction to the healing power of Christ. We undoubtedly desire physical healing, which often happens, even if gradually. However, the healing power of Jesus over sins and the strengthening and comfort that He brings in times of illness and suffering cannot be underestimated. This is the primary aspect of healing passed down to us in the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

“The first grace of this sacrament is one of strengthening, peace and courage to overcome the difficulties that go with the condition of serious illness or the frailty of old age …. The assistance from the Lord by the power of His Spirit is meant to lead the sick person to healing of the soul, but also of the body if such is God’s will” (CCC 1520).  

Which is easier for Jesus: to heal our soul or our body (c.f. 5:23)? Actually, both are easy for Him. Jesus does indeed heal the paralytic of his paralysis so that he “rose up and went home glorifying God” (5:25). Our immobility, too, both spiritual and physical, is restored so that we can accomplish God’s will energetically.  

We should rediscover the beauty and power of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Through it, Jesus lays his hands on us, frees our souls from sin, anoints our bodies with his healing salve, strengthens us in times of weakness, and most gloriously, unites us with Himself so that our suffering may serve Him in some capacity. Yes, power is in Him to restore us to wholeness.

Picture: Healing of the Blind Man by A. N. Mironov, Wikicommons