As we continue our Lenten journey at Ft. Collins First UMC, we look at "healing" this Sunday, March 17th, as the answer to our need of being "infirm". "Infirmity" is an odd word that we don't use that much in conversation, but it has a much broader semantic range than "illness" or "sickness". Not even "debilitating condition" connotes what "infirm" does. If being "firm" describes a state of wholeness of body, mind, and spirit that we all might hope for, then being "infirm" describes everything less than that. Not all of us are sick or have a debilitating condition, but all of us at one point or another exhibit some degree of infirmity. And the Good News - the Gospel - in light of that is that the grace-filled presence and love of God are the healing balm that can restore us to the place of wholeness that we seek.
Another thought to consider about healing comes from Georgetown University Visiting Professor, John Pilch. He says that "healing is the restoration of meaning to life".
What I love about this way of thinking about healing is, first of all, that it is open to all of us, and secondly, that whether or not a cancer is cured or a mental health condition alleviated, we can still have meaning restored to our lives through the love and presence of God. And the Christian community is at its best when we are reminding each other of that power and possibility through love for one another.
Healing...the restoration of meaning to life. Blessings in the name and Spirit of the divine Healer of us all.
Steve
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