(Optional) Memorial of Saint Blase, bishop and martyr
(I Kings 2:1-4.10-12;
Mark 6:7-13)
Today, the Memorial of
St. Blase, people come to church to have their throats blessed. It is an old custom meant to prevent or heal
all kinds of ailments. It is similar to
the work for which the apostles are commissioned in today’s gospel.
Jesus has selected his
twelve apostles from his numerous disciples.
Now he sends them to preach repentance.
They are to prepare the people for the coming of the Kingdom of
God. As a sign that the Kingdom is
beginning to appear in the world, they have the power to heal. The text says that they cure the people by
anointing them with oil.
We believe that our
prayers as well as the Sacrament of Anointing the Sick effect what they
signify. But we should be discreet about
the claims that we make regarding prayer.
We have seen many people healed after prayer. But we cannot say that those prayed over are likely
to be healed with significantly greater frequency than others. Nevertheless, they have been placed under
God’s care. He will strengthen them for the
challenging journey to eternal life.
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