Read: John 9:1-41

In the 9th chapter of John, Jesus heals a man blind from birth by spitting on the ground, making mud, and placing the mud on the man’s eyes. He then sends him to wash in the “Pool of Siloam.” The man did not ask to be healed; Jesus reached out in love and compassion and performed the miracle of healing.

As a community of believers, we are called to respond to one another with love and compassion. (In my experience, St. Paul’s is responding to this call.) When people have a disability or medical condition, the ideal is to find out what kind of help or assistance they want or need, and then offer that help or assistance. Sometimes, people don’t know or can’t say. In any case, we can always drop off chicken soup AND we can always sing and pray.

Here is a good recipe for chicken vegetable soup.

And here is a healing hymn #667, “Sometimes a Light Surprises”

There are many beautiful prayers for healing; here are three of my favorites from the Book of Common Prayer – Pastoral Offices – Ministration to the Sick.

For Health of Body and Soul: May God the Father bless you, God the Son heal you, God the Holy Spirit give you strength. May God the holy and undivided Trinity guard your body, save your soul, and bring you safely to his heavenly country; where he lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

For Strength and Confidence: Heavenly Father, giver of life and health: Comfort and relieve your sick servant N., and give your power of healing to those who minister to his needs, that he may be strengthened in his weakness and have confidence in your loving care; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Trust in God: O God, the source of all health: So fill my heart with faith in your love, that with calm expectancy I may make room for your power to possess me, and gracefully accept your healing; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Dear God, help us to continue to learn and grow as a community in supporting one another in sickness and in health. Amen.
-Cathey Frederick