July 8, 2021
“…they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
- Mark 16:18b
My Dear Doubters of Great Faith,
It is, after all, the last thing that Jesus speaks to Jesus’ disciples, in that fateful, fearful, appearance, some days after his crucifixion and resurrection, this great command to the disciples that the signs and symbols of their belief are to save, heal, deliver, and disciple. Is Mark’s decisive gospel finale any different for us claimants of the great good news some 2000 years later, we who claim that same path of “Christ-bearer?”
And yet, thanks to COVID-19, the plague that rides on breath, we have had to all but abandon the great gift of healing that comes through the “laying on of hands,” the gift of touch. Of all the things that we have lost over the past 17 months, the ability to connect and heal through touch has been of the greatest. Touch is the great equalizer, the common bond of humanity to life. There is so much of our humanly essence that is shared in the act of “laying on of hands” and praying together. Sharing touch and breath are in equal parts healing and life-giving.
Jesus recognizes the importance of this key aspect of ministry to the health and welfare of the ongoing community, so much so that it is the last thing he says in the Gospel of Mark.
Prayer and healing have been a crucial part of the common life of St. Thomas the Apostle across it’s many years, the overarching purpose of groups like the Daughters of the King. When any member of the body is sick (in any way), we naturally want to come together and rally around that person, praying for and lifting them up to and before God, surrounding them with love, and carrying them in our hearts as we go about God’s work in the world. And it is, after all, a sign and symbol that we are, in fact, disciples of Jesus Christ!
And so, as we continue to unwind from COVID-19, it is appropriate and timely that we now add the healing and “laying on of hands” back into our liturgical life together. If you would like to receive healing and the laying on of hands during the course of the Eucharist service, you will find a “minister” stationed at the rear of the Nave near the ambry and prayer candle station. After you have made your communion, proceed to this station. You will find either an ordained minister (priest or deacon), or a lay minister; we are each and every one of us commanded and empowered to the healing ministry through the waters of baptism in Jesus Christ!
(Please remember, if you are unvaccinated, Bishop Sumner requires that you continue to wear a mask and social distance while gathered in indoor spaces. I continue to urge you to use your best judgment as you participate in our services!)
The real gift that we present, and re-present in the prayers of healing and laying on of hands, is the gift of the ever-present, always-healing touch of Jesus Christ that each and every one of us can and does bring to life. We have all been given that gift, not to hold on to, but to share, liberally, and faithfully!
Yours in the healing power of Christ,
Fr. Christopher+
