Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. vss. 5-6a
Isaiah 35:5-7a
The religious leaders of Jesus’ day were quite familiar with the law and the writings of the prophets and kept a look-out for signs of the Day of the Lord, the moment when God would act to bring salvation to Israel. And when Jesus began his ministry, many were particularly attentive to the reports of healings that had taken place in the towns and villages that he visited. Some remembered the forecasts of healings from the prophet Isaiah and wondered if Jesus might be more than the man from Nazareth. And after the resurrection when the gospel writers were putting together their stories of Jesus’ life they gave center stage to those healing miracles. They saw them as a kind of proof of Jesus’ divine credentials. That emphasis is an indication of our basic human conviction that healing is inextricably connected to the Divine Presence. God doesn’t bring illness and sickness into our lives, on the contrary God brings healing. In fact, in the New Testament, the words for “healing” “salvation” have the same root. At times the words are interchangeable. No wonder we have such a strong desire for healing in our lives–it’s what we pray for more than anything else. And when it comes we have no problem giving thanks and praise to God.
Thought for the Day: When do I pray for healing?
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