One of the most difficult of all human experiences is being sick. Typically, we would do anything and everything to get healed:

• Aside from our own doctors, we will get another doctor’s analysis or opinion
• We will seek other people’s opinions, especially those who have experienced the same sickness
• We will research on the internet what can we do
• We will try alternative medicine
• We will even seek out faith healers

In the Gospel, we hear of two cases of sick people. One thing in common was that both were already desperate. The first case was the synagogue officer: He fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, saying, “My daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay your hands on her so that she may get well and live.” Yes, parents suffer more when their children are sick.

The second case was the woman. Twelve years of hemorrhaging and not getting any better. What does she tell herself? “If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.”  

Three reflections:

• First, the past. Whatever we do to our bodies, will eventually catch up. The reality is that our body is finite. It came from ash and to ash it will return. In the meantime, it is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Take care of it as early as yesterday.
  
• Second, the present. For those who are sick. Aside from the doctors, never forget the Church is a healer. We are both body and soul and if one is sick, the other is affected. Hence, hold on to the power of prayer, make use of the Sacraments of the Mass, Anointing of the Sick, and Confession. Use sacramentals too like blessed water and salt. On the other hand, be very cautious in going to faith healers even if they display Catholic images. Know his or her background and history. Avoid rituals that you do not understand, incantations in Latin, wearing of amulets, and consuming ritualized food or water. Typically the relief is immediate but eventually, you will come under a stronger diabolic spirit.
  
• Third, the future. The reality is all things in this life will come to pass. While we pray for the cure of our sickness, the most important reality is the healing of our souls. The body will end, and the soul will go off to eternal life. Hence, in God’s mysterious ways, being sick can be a wake-up call to remind ourselves of our own mortality and to prepare for the next life.