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. Let the Holy 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 lifestyle 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: Sts. Cosmas and Damian healed bodies and souls. Out of love for Jesus, the Divine Physician, they offered free medical help to all who needed it.
Reference: (For a related teaching on Healing: The Imitation of Christ, order, listen to or download our series starting with CD 11A or DVD 11A on our website or order or download our book of the same name.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 15, 2017
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