Homily: January 9, 2026, Friday after Epiphany (Healing)
“Jesus proclaimed the Gospel of the Kingdom and cured every disease among the people.” Healing was a central part of Jesus’ public ministry. Wherever He went, He healed: bodily diseases, emotional wounds, and spiritual disturbances. He restored dignity, hope, and life, to whoever believed and wanted it. I must admit, many times while visiting people in hospitals or nursing homes, I have wished that I too had the gift of healing. Standing before someone who was suffering, I just wished I could simply touch them and make them well, like Jesus did, and end the sadness of their loved ones. But I can’t. I don’t have such a gift. But some people do. This past week, I was away at the SEEK Conference in Columbus, Ohio. It was an incredible experience. Tens of thousands of people were there to encounter Jesus and I am sure they did. Two young women from our parish probably did, on a very personal level. They met a priest there. Well, there were more than 500 priests present, and they met t...