Read: 1 Sm 3: 1-10, 19-20 Mk 1: 29-39

“Those whom he cured, who were variously afflicted, were many, and so were the demons he expelled.” (Mk 1:34)

When one of these modern miracle workers holds a prayer/healing service with the stated purpose of seeking miraculous healings, they easily fill stadiums and convention centers.

Sickness, pain, and the anguish of the human heart are the direct consequences of sin. “Through one man sin entered the world and with sin death.” (Rom 5:12)

“Remember, now, you have been cured. Give up your sins so that something worse may not overtake you.” (Jn 5:14)

The conviction that all sickness is a result of sinful living was very strong among the Jews. Because of this, Jesus’ presence defeated these sicknesses and expelled demons showing the power of God to liberate us from sin.

Jesus made His own the bitter fruits of sin — which are pain and death — to show us His pardon that He offers.

“Jesus gave himself for our sins, to rescue us from the present evil age, as our God and Father willed.” (Gal 1:4)

“In his own body, he brought your sins to the cross, so that all of us, dead to sin, could live in accord with God’s will. By his wounds you were healed.” (1 Pt 2:24)

Not every miraculous healing will bring us to repentance and the correction of our lives. That is how hard we are of heart before Almighty God.

We must rejoice that Jesus gives us the ability to repent seek His pardon… and receive His love in our hearts.

Reflection and commentary

Psalm 138:6 “The LORD is exalted, yet the lowly he sees, and the proud he knows from afar.”