Why Some Are Not Healed

The problem of why some are not healed has been written about and discussed by many, many people much more intelligent and gifted than me. So I do not even imagine that I have anything new to offer in the quest for trying to understand the ways of God.
  As with all spiritual matters, we all read and listen to the thoughts of others and to God's Word in the Bible and His word through the leaders of the Church, both present and past, and then come to our own acceptance of what we think might be the truth.
  I have prayed for myself and others for many, many years. After all this time, it's still puzzling to me why some people are healed instantly or very quickly and others are not healed at all (at least in an obvious way). Especially puzzling is when the obviously innocent suffer, such as babies or young children. In older children and adults, we can at least think that perhaps the suffering is being used as a discipline to help them to grow spiritually or to be better persons. But that doesn't apply to the little ones.
  Because of God's revelation in the Bible and through the life of Jesus, we know that God is love; that He loves all those He has created; that He grieves over our suffering and is with us as we go through it. But we also know that God has the power to take away that suffering, in the blink of an eye.
  We who are parents know how the suffering of our children pains us; that if there were anything we could do, including dying for them, we would not hesitate. Is not God the very best of fathers; the perfect Father?
  When I mull over these age-old questions, or tire of praying for the same thing over and over for years and years, I always come back to the same thing--the Cross. Jesus suffering and death on the cross did not make sense at the time. Even Jesus prayed to the Father in the Garden of Gethsemane to be saved from the suffering of crucifixion and death, knowing that the Father had the power to change the circumstances. But God the Father said no. And it was only after the Resurrection that the understanding came of why He had to suffer and die in such a cruel way.
  So it is with us. Sometimes we can see the good fruit of suffering here on earth. But most of the time we will not understand until after we pass on.
  I once visited one of the cathedrals in Paris, France (I've forgotten which one) where there was a Pieta; not a duplicate of the one in Notre Dame, but similar. In this one the Blessed Mother was holding the dead body of Jesus, but instead of looking down at Him she was looking up to Heaven. It was as if she were asking, "Why?"  It reminded me of all mothers who have lost a child, but also of all of us. Someday we will know.

On Beauty

In the beginning God made all things beautiful. How do we know that? We know this is true because of the beauty of God's creation on earth--the flowers, the birds, the trees, the animals. Ugliness only entered in as a result of man's sin. Therefore, we should try to make all things, including ourselves, as beautiful as possible.
  If you doubt that, then I ask you: Do you think there is anything ugly in Heaven, the Kingdom of God? Jesus said in The Lord's Prayer "Your Kingdom come" (Matthew 6:10) which means to pray that the earth would become the Kingdom of God. Let us do our best to bring that about--in ourselves, in our homes, in our communities.

Spiritual Works of Mercy: Instruct the Ignorant

Now don’t get it wrong—“ignorant” does not mean “stupid” or “unintelligent”.  It simply means lacking in knowledge in a particular area. Given that definition, even the most highly educated professor in one of the finest universities can be ignorant in spiritual matters.

  Each one of us is well-instructed in some areas and ignorant in others. That’s why we continue to study and learn the Christian faith. In this spiritual work of mercy, we are called to share what we have learned with those who may not have learned it yet.

  In this wonderful time in history we have more opportunities to learn about God the Father, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Church, Scripture, etc. than at any time in the past. There are books, homilies, teachings, the media, the internet, podcasts, radio, CDs, etc.  During our lifetime we will avail ourselves of only a fraction of what is out there. Each of us received what we have learned from different sources. Therefore, we each have knowledge and insight that may be helpful for someone else.

  The Holy Spirit prompts us when He wants us to share what we have learned with others. Sometimes this can be one on one; other times with a group. We must never think that we are not smart enough or knowledgeable enough to share with others. Faith is a gift, not something that is learned. Everyone who has the ability to understand the Gospel is capable of passing on spiritual truths to others.

  There are also more formal ways of sharing the faith with others such as teaching children, adult education, men’s or women’s sharing groups, or Bible Study. In the Life in the Spirit Seminars ordinary people give the talks and witness to what God has done in their lives.

  In Matthew 28:19-20, the Apostles are instructed by Jesus to “go…make disciples of all the nations….Teach them to carry out everything I have commanded you.”   We are not all called to be bishops or priests, but we are all called to disciple those God has put in our paths, such as children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews.

  Jesus said: Go into the whole world and proclaim the good news to all creation. This was spoken to eleven apostles, but it’s His Word for all Christians as well.

  St. Paul tells St. Timothy in 2 Tim 3:16 that All Scripture is inspired of God and is useful for teaching—for reproof, correction, and training in holiness… .  It’s a spiritual work of mercy to share God’s Word with others, whether formally teaching children, facilitating a Bible Study, or informally, in just talking with someone.

  In St. Paul’s letter to Titus he instructs the older women to: teach the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be sensible, chaste, busy at home, kindly, submissive to their husbands. (Titus 2:3b-5a)  Both older women and men have the responsibility to mentor younger men and women not only in the faith, but in morality and how to be men and women of good character.

    God calls some of us to the ministry of spiritual direction; to help another person discern God’s Will for them. Sometimes the Holy Spirit leads a person to us who is new to the faith or less spiritually mature. We then serve as an informal spiritual director for them.

  These are just a few of the ways to fulfill the spiritual work of mercy to “Instruct the ignorant.” Perhaps you are surprised that what you have been doing for many years is actually a spiritual work of mercy. Or perhaps the Holy Spirit has shown you a new area where He would like you to serve. Either way, may God bless your efforts to serve Him.

Drugs or God?

Karl Marx said: "God is the opiate of the people", and he was right. God is the only remedy that really works. If people looked to God for help, there would be much less need for drugs.
  Drugs are also a temporary solution; and the more you take them, the more you need to achieve the same result. Then they eventually damage the body or kill the person.
  Not so with God. You can never have too much of God. The closer you get to Him the better you become--physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. The knowledge and presence of God never has a detrimental effect on the body.
  So instead of taking drugs take in God's Word in the Bible. Spend time in prayer and adoration. Read Christian spiritual classics and lives of the Saints. Attend Mass or worship services. Receive the Eucharist often. This will bring health to your body and your soul.


  My son, forget not my teaching, keep in mind my commands; for many days, and years of life, and peace, will they bring you.  Proverbs 3:1-2

Why Does God Love Us?

We know God loves us from His Word to us in the New Testament, through who Jesus is and what He revealed to us about the Father in Heaven. We know God loves us despite our sinfulness and rebellious spirits.
  With age-old love I have loved you; so I have kept my mercy toward you. Jeremiah 31:3
  Yes, God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him may not die but may have eternal life. John 3:16
  But have you ever thought about why God loves us? Or why He loves us unconditionally; despite our sinfulness and lack of love for Him and obedience to Him?
  I think having a child helps us to better understand God's love for us. I have four children. I love each of them unconditionally. I love them not for what they do, but for who they are. Yes, I am more pleased with the behavior of some. It makes me happy if they are good people: good citizens; faithful husbands and wives; respectful to me and their father; good workers; faithful to God. But I do not love them any more or less if they are not.
  I love them because they are my children. They are a part of me. They are bonded with me through blood. Nothing they do or don't do will ever change that.
  You may say: "But not all parents love their children like that. Many parents favor one child over another or love a child in relation to who they are or what they do." God knows that and He addressed that in His Word:
  Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget my own. Isaiah 49:15
  So the fact that a mother or father may fail to love their child unconditionally, or even abandon their child, does not mean that God is like that.
  So, if you are a child of God, if you are baptized in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, rejoice today in the unconditional love of God for you.
  And if you are not, then know that God loves you because you are His marvelous creation. He is calling you to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and be baptized so you can enjoy all the blessings of being a child of God and eternal life with Him after you die.

On Abortion

The only alternative to child sacrifice is self-sacrifice.
  The problem with the prevalence of abortion at this time in history is not poverty or over-population or unwed mothers--it is selfishness.
  Mother Teresa said: It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you can live as you wish.
  Many people think having sex is a need that you can't do without, like eating, sleeping or drinking water. They don't understand that the primary reason sexual intercourse was created was for procreation. The pleasure part is secondary. When something interferes with their pleasure (like a baby) they look at it as just that--interference. They are even willing to go so far as to sacrifice their child for their selfish motives.
  The answer to the scourge of abortion is not just to outlaw it--some people will seek the means to have their child killed even if the original laws against it are reinstated. The answer is to teach people, especially children, the sanctity of life; the value of each and every human life, no matter how small. We must teach others the marvelous intricacy of the human mind and body; the potential value to the world of each and every person. We must teach them that every person has a purpose in this world, even if it is only to be.
  Then, and only then, will the scourge of abortion end.


For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb... . Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.  Psalm 139:13, 16 NIV

On the Child Within Us

As long as your parents are alive, there is still a part of you that is a child. Once they pass on, it sometimes seems that the child within us dies too. We are now the older generation. Even when a parent dies when a person is still young, a part of their childhood ends.
  Children are innocent, joyful and trusting. They live each day fully; sometimes thinking about the future, but only if there's an upcoming holiday or special occasion. They notice the little things in life--a bug on the window, a flower, the birds, the animals.
  It's not so much our age or whether our parents are alive or have passed on that determines whether the child within us still lives--it's our attitude towards life. No, we can't retain our innocence; life takes that away. But we can live each day fully, one day at a time. We can savor the beauty around us. There is beauty and goodness everywhere no matter how bad our circumstances might be.
  One of my Facebook friends often posts little videos with pictures of gardens, birds or other wonders of nature. She lives alone and recently had surgery which confined her to her home for three weeks. I'm sure those little videos brightened her day as they did mine.
  I am currently reading a book, Mother Angelica's Little Book of Life Lessons and Everyday Spirituality, by Raymond Arroyo. It's a compilation of many of her wise sayings. She was a woman who grew up living as an only child with her mother. She suffered many physical ailments throughout her life. Yet she had a great sense of humor and looked at life's difficulties from a positive angle.
  Jesus says that in our relationship with God we must be like little children.
I assure you, unless you change and become like little children, you will not enter the kingdom of God.  Matthew 18:3
  Let's pray for and strive to grow in trust of God and His great love for us and to keep the child within us alive.