24 March.  SEE.  Healing.  Dane did research on the interesting story from the Old Testament of Moses and the bronze serpent.   He checked out its connection with the ancient Greek symbol for medicine, the rod of Asclepius. Is “There is probably a common history. During their time in the desert, because the people disobeyed God again, their punishment was a plague of fiery serpents. When Moses pleaded with God he was told to make a bronze serpent, put it up on a pole for the people to see and be healed. Is that what we call faith healing? It sure is a complex matter how healing actually happens, even today, Jesus healed many people so in the gospel where Jesus talks about being raised up is he referring to this story of healing?”   

JUDGE, reflect and share. Scripture: The people said, “We have sinned because we spoke against the Lord. Pray that he take away the serpents. Moses prayed and the Lord said, “Make a fiery serpent and set it up as a sign.”So Moses set up a bronze serpent and if anyone was bitten they could be healed. Numbers 21:9.  Pope Francis: There is a risk that a single scientific advance will be seen as the only possible lens for viewing a particular aspect of life, society and the world.  Researchers who are expert in their own field yet also familiar with the findings of other sciences are in a position to discern and become open to a more comprehensive and integral knowledge.  FT204.  Jesus is the physician who heals with the medicine of love, for he takes upon himself our suffering and redeems it.  Pope Leo: During the plague in Carthage St Cyprian reminded Christians of the importance of caring for the sick. “This pestilence, which seems so horrible and deadly, searches out the righteousness of each one and examines the minds of the human race, to see whether the healthy serve the sick, whether relatives love each other with sincerity, whether masters have pity on their sick servants, whether doctors do not abandon the sick who beg for help. DT 48

St Francis. At the time of Covid-19 were we sufficiently aware that God remains the true healer although he used the various elements and people of his creation. There is a story told about St Francis and his suffering from a very painful eye condition. One treatment to which he submitted required the painful use of fire. Francis addressed Brother Fire and asked him not to hurt him too much, which reportedly was the case. However his eye sight deteriorated further until he became almost totally blind and was no longer able to see the beauty of creation which he loved so much.   

REFLECT, SHARE, ACT, PRAY.  Consider and share on your attitudes and beliefs about healing and God’s healing power.