Gospel of Matthew Series: chapter 8: Cures and Faith

In Chapter 8, we have a collection of a number of different incidents of cures and how the faith of the person being cured is all important. They are:

•  The cure of the Leper who asks Jesus directly to heal him.
• The healing of the centurion's servant who was not physically present but healed through the faith of the centurion.
• The healing of Peter's mother in law who after her healing was able to wait upon them.
• The healing of the people suffering demonic illness who were brought to Jesus by others.
• The healing of the demoniacs who knew who Jesus was and asked to be freed from it and to place the demons into the swine.
• The calming of the storm- this shows how fear can dissipate faith.

In all of these sketches, the importance of faith to be healed, whether physically present or not is the key. 

We can choose to ask Jesus directly for a healing for ourselves, like the leper or we can have enough faith to ask for a healing for another person who is not physically present, or when the storms of life overwhelm us, we can call out with confidence not with fear that Jesus will calm the storm and give us healing. We must believe.

ACTION PLAN FROM CHAPTER 8

This week as we reflect on chapter 8, we may wish to:

•  Consider how the devil tempts us not to believe in the power of God's healing.
• Consider our ability to pray for healing for ourselves- physically, mentally and spiritually so that our soul is strengthened..
• Consider whether God may be calling you into healing ministry.
• Consider the vocation of healing- pray for those in this ministry- doctors, nurses, surgeons, physiotherapists, chiropractors, psychologists, counsellors, pastoral workers and of course our priests who are a channel of God's healing in the sacraments of anointing of the sick and the sacrament of Reconciliation.
• Consider how we can bring the ministry of healing to others whether through intercessory prayer and/or through the gift of healing that we may possess. How can we continue the healing mission of Jesus?

How does our action plan compare with Jesus?  May Chapter 8 inspire us to consider how we are continuing the ministry of Jesus and to have faith in Him to move mountains.