In one of his talks, Pope John Paul II remarked that there seems to have been fewer healings in the last few years at Lourdes, the major healing center of the world. He thought that this might indicate fewer healings in general throughout the world. The pope realizes the difficulty in knowing how many are healed. However, let us assume that the pope's observation is correct. Why may there be less healings now?

• Healings, especially for Christians, are often based on faith (e.g. Mt 9:22). Possibly our faith is weak.
• Healings accompany the proclamation of God's word (Mk 16:16-18). Our lack of evangelization may limit the opportunities for healing.
• The Lord uses medical technology to heal. However, many don't realize that the Lord, not the technology, does the healing.
• No one deserves healing. The Lord heals us in His mercy. Mercy is given especially to the merciful (Mt 5:7). However, our culture of death is unforgiving and often merciless. Most people, even Catholics, still believe in "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth" (see Mt 5:38). We want our rights, even if the price is to execute a few criminals. "Should a man nourish anger against his fellows and expect healing from the Lord?" (Sir 28:3) Will God give His healing mercies to the merciless?

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, November 28, 1998

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 1, 1998