Does God Answer Prayers For Healing

In my last two postings, I reflected upon the Church's teachings regarding end of life decisions and the new instructions issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith regarding cremation and the funeral liturgy.

In one of the responses I received, the reader posed the following question:  "Does God answer prayers we offer for the healing of the sick and the dying?"

The answer to this question is clear and uncompromising:  "Yes, He does indeed!"

All around us there is evidence of healing in answer to the fervent prayers of some many who trust in the loving mercy of the Lord.  In my own life as well as during my years as a Parish Priest, I have seen so many lives which have been touched by the Grace of the Holy Spirit.

In the renewal of faith and liturgy of Vatican Council II, the healing influence of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick joyfully was rediscovered.  Prior to this time, this Sacrament was administered only to those on the very of death in order to prepare them for judgment after life.  It was commonly referred to as Extreme Unction  or "the Last Rites".  But today, the Church speaks of the Anointing of the Sick in the context of ongoing pastoral care for the ill and infirm as well as a source of hope and comfort for the dying.

The charismatic movement which briefly arose in the Church during and in the years following Vatican II gave rise to many prayers for the sick.  Healing services were celebrated and Masses offered for the sick and suffering.  Oftentimes, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick was administered communally during these services.

Indeed, many have been touched by the healing power which flows from this Sacrament and from the many prayers and rituals.  Assuredly, not every prayer for healing is positively answered.  But let us reflect a moment about this.

It is true that not all those who are anointed or have Masses and prayers offered for their intentions are cured.  And, even though we know that Jesus Himself cured many who asked for healing, we also know we should not consider prayer as giving us a right of any kind to that for which we pray.  In imitation of the prayers of Christ Himself, we must admit that any sincere prayer contains , at least implicitly, a willingness to accept God Holy Will.  Likewise, we should remember that, even for those who may not experience a physical healing, there are many who speak of a spiritual rebirth, a sense of peacefulness and acceptance in the midst of the suffering.

For those who are healed of their infirmities, we must always be mindful that they will eventually pass from this life through the portal of human death.  We should remember that there is always a provisional aspect to healing and that earthly life remains fragile and fleeting for all of us.

Sickness and suffering are the legacies of a sinful humanity.  And yet, in a mysterious and wonderful way, sickness can be a journey of self-discovery and faith.  Certainly, illness humbles us all and reminds us of how dependent we are upon the goodness of God and others.  Truly, in the experience of many saints and countless souls, sickness and suffering have been the pathway by which they discovered the Lord and saved their souls.

Let us pray continuously for the sick asking always that the Lord grant them healing and consolation, disposing them to accept His Will and find the spiritual comfort and peace that only Christ Himself can give.