July 19.  The elderly group members were not all Catholic, or even all Christian so when they shared on the subject of praying for healing there was much discussion.   Some attended regular healing Masses or services. Some shared a very strong belief that prayer could heal.   James and Joan had gone on a pilgrimage when she had cancer some years ago and believed her healing was the result of prayer.   Some were more sceptical while some prayed the prayer of St Paul for strengthening of their faith, “Lord I believe, help my unbelief.”   At the same time overall they were grateful of the healing offered through their companionship.

Reflect, share, scripture:    In those days Hezekiah became sick.   He turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, and said, “Remember now, O Lord I beseech you, how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart and have done what is good in your sight.” Then the word of the Lord came through to Isaiah: “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears, behold I will add fifteen years to your life. “ From Is: 38:1-5.   Pope Francis:     By taking refuge in Christ’s wounds may you know the healing balm of the Father’s mercy and find the strength to bring it to others, to anoint every hurt and every painful memory. In this way, you will be faithful witnesses of the reconciliation and peace that God wants to reign in every human heart and in every community.  Homily in Myanmar Nov 2017. Creating a world in need of development God in some way sought to limit himself in such a way that many of the things we think of as evils, dangers or sources of suffering are in reality part of the pains of childbirth which he uses to draw us into the act of cooperating with the Creator.   LS 80  ACTION AND PRAYER.   Reflect and share on the subject of healing and prayer.