spiritual ecology
"They set out and went from village to village, spreading the good news everywhere and curing diseases." —Luke 9:6
The Lord has given the Church and her members "power and authority to overcome all demons and to cure diseases" (Lk 9:1). Many Christians have doubts about this, for they have not seen demons overcome and diseases cured. Are their doubts the cause of their powerlessness, its result, or both its cause and effect?
The Lord did not simply command us to drive out demons and heal the sick. He called us to do this as a sign and proclamation of His kingdom (Lk 9:2). Furthermore, the kingdom ministry of healing and deliverance is for those who provide nothing for themselves and completely rely on the Lord to provide their material needs (Lk 9:3-4).
Healing the sick and driving out demons are not isolated events. They are related to each other, to the proclamation of God's kingdom, and to a radical trust in and dependence on God's providence.
Healing and deliverance are "endangered species" for many Christians. They are seen only rarely or merely heard about. In this year dedicated to the Holy Spirit, let the Spirit restore the ecology of God's kingdom in your life. Then God's promises will be fulfilled not rarely but daily.
Prayer: Father, I choose the life-style that will make healings and deliverances common.
Promise: "Every word of God is tested; He is a Shield to those who take refuge in Him." —Prv 30:5
Praise: David has long been praying for his friends. Jesus has delivered most of them from a major sin in their lives.
Reference: (For related teaching, order our book, Healing: The Imitation of Christ.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert J. Buschmiller, February 17, 1998
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 25, 1998