Homily, June 30, Thursday, Thursday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

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 “Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.”

Before healing the paralyzed man from his physical illness, Jesus first healed him of his spiritual burden. Jesus forgave his sins.

Physical, psychological, emotional, even social illnesses are linked to our spiritual well-being. Illnesses are a consequence of sin.

During our third Wednesdays’ healing services, the ministers of healing always direct the sick people to the sacrament of reconciliation first because they believe forgiveness of the soul is necessary before healing of the body.

But are all our sicknesses due to our own sinfulness?

Many saintly people suffer illnesses, and we can be sure those are not consequences of their own sins.

Many great saints suffered serious illnesses too. One beautiful example is St. Teresa of Lisieux.  She suffered much during her short life and she offered all her sufferings for the conversion of sinners. Her suffering was salvific, just like our Saviour.

Jesus suffered and died not for His own sins, but for the sins of humankind.

Mother Angelica said, “Suffering in itself does not make us holy. It is only when we unite it, out of love, to the suffering of Christ that is has meaning.”

All our sicknesses and sufferings are salvific if we offer them for our own and for the salvation of the world.


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