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Columba Comments...
Short reflections written by members of our
congregation
22 March 2009
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Scripture: James 5.13-20
Exploration
The theme for our
reading today is “Experiencing the God who heals”.
The Christian Church has always had healing as a central activity,
an action inherited from Judaism,. A Jew would go not to a doctor,
but to a rabbi for healing, who would anoint the person with olive
oil. Healing is given great prominence in the Gospels, with many
healings performed by Jesus.
Olive oil is thought to have healing and health qualities, and in
ancient times was used to ‘heal’ wounds and restore health to the
skin. Oil has long been a symbol of the Holy Spirit, dating to Old
Testament times with the consecration of kings. Anointing is still
used when kings, queens, or bishops are consecrated, and when people
are baptised.
The early church continued the practice of offering healing, and
many of the Church Fathers detail the procedures and rites to be
followed for healing. The sacrament of unction (anointing) involves
oil and is widely practiced in the Roman Catholic and Orthodox
churches today. The Anglican Church embraces the sacrament of
anointing of the sick, where the outward and visible sign is
anointing with oil, and the inward and spiritual grace is healing.
At St Columba’s we continue this tradition and offer the sacrament
of anointing at our Sunday services. The Oil of the Sick which we
use is blessed by the Archbishop at a special ‘Maundy Thursday’
service.
So James in his letter is describing a practice that was in wide use
at the time.
Some important elements are expounded in this passage from James.
First, anointing for healing is connected with sin. This draws on
the ancient idea that sin causes sickness. These days we are aware
of many causes of illness other than sin. However, psychosomatic
diseases are widely prevalent. Healing cannot come unless the
underlying emotional cause is dealt with, and so the connection
between confession of sin and healing is still evident.
Second, confession to one another is encouraged. While caution needs
to be exercised here, sometimes it helps to unburden oneself and to
hear words of encouragement and forgiveness.
Third, confession brings forgiveness. Forgiveness is a form of
healing. It is said that doctors can’t heal, they can only create
the environment for the body to heal itself. The medical world can
enable all kinds of healing, and fortunately the spiritual dimension
of healing is embraced by some practitioners.
The Church is primarily a place of healing, reconciliation and hope.
Prayer is central to these.
Questions for Reflection
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Think of a time
you were sick. To what extent did you seek healing from God? Did
you experience peace? Did you doubt God?
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The elders of the
church are nowadays represented by the clergy and experienced
Christians. Who do you turn to for healing prayer in times of
need? Who could you turn to? Can people come to you for healing
prayer?
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The links between
sin, illness, confession, forgiveness and healing are strong. What
do you need to bring to God, or your confessor, so that you may be
healed?
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God calls and
gifts us to be healers. What can you do for others?
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