Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop (Memorial)
Your faith has saved you. (Luke 17:19)
The story of the ten lepers illustrates how much Jesus wants to heal us, spiritually as well as physically. All ten of these men were healed, but only one returned to Jesus filled with praise for God. To judge from Jesus’ words, only this one received the deeper healing—in his heart. Consider this story, sent in by one of our readers, as an example of the twofold healing God wants to do in all of our lives:
“This spring, my six-month-old son developed a serious skin condition on his back and legs. In a few places, the rash had developed into open sores. The doctor prescribed medicine, but it brought only temporary relief. The poor little boy was miserable!
“Around that time, my husband and I attended a retreat that included a healing service. The priest leading the retreat emphasized that God always wants to do good things for his children. We shouldn’t think that our sicknesses come directly from him or that he isn’t able to heal us. I immediately thought of our son. I had begun to think that this was just how he would be, and the best we could hope for was that he would eventually outgrow his affliction. There was no room in my mind for God’s healing power. I told my husband, and together we stepped out in faith and asked for healing prayers for our son.
“When we returned home, we didn’t see any changes. But we kept on praying and trusting in God. When we woke up on the third day, we were amazed to see our little boy’s skin completely restored. It was like that of a newborn. We were so excited over what God had done that we laughed and laughed and laughed.
“This healing showed me how much I can trust in God. I had let my faith shrink—but God expanded it that day. Yes, my son was healed, but so was I—and I will never forget it!”
God wants to set us free. He wants to do good things for his children—sometimes small miracles and, at other times, tremendous ones. All we need to do is trust that he hears our every cry.
“Thank you, Father, for your healing power. I give you my heart and believe that you want nothing but good for me!” Amen!
Wisdom 6: Rulers should seek wisdom and righteousness
1 So then listen, you rulers, and understand. Learn, you who judge the far reaches of the earth. 2 Pay attention, you who have power over multitudes, you who take pride in having power over throngs of nations.
3 The Lord gave you authority to rule. The Most High gave you your power. He will watch carefully what you do and examine everything that you are planning. 4 You are merely stewards of his kingdom. If you don’t judge rightly, if you don’t keep the Law, or if you don’t act according to God’s plan, 5 then he’ll fall upon you very suddenly and very terribly. Judgment falls hard on those in high places. 6 Those who aren’t important may be pardoned out of compassion, but the powerful will be powerfully examined. 7 The ruler of all won’t back down from anyone. He won’t show any special consideration to someone whom others consider great. The ruler of all made both the small and the great, and he regards them all in the same way. 8 But a stern judgment will fall upon the ruthless.
9 Yes, I’m speaking to you who rule with unbridled might so that you may learn wisdom and avoid going astray. 10 Those who have treasured holy things in a holy way will themselves be made holy. Those who have been instructed in holy things will be able to offer a defense for what they have done. 11 So desire my words with all your heart. Commit yourself to them, and you will be educated.
Psalm 82:
3 Give justice to the weak and fatherless!
Uphold the rights of the wretched and poor!
4 Rescue the destitute and needy;
deliver them from the power of the wicked!”
6 “My decree is: ‘You are elohim [gods, judges],
sons of the Most High all of you.
7 Nevertheless, you will die like mortals;
like any prince, you will fall.’”
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