Eucharistic Healing

(Cross-posted to Junia's Daughter and Catholic Women Clergy)

Sally has a beautiful post today about an experience of deep healing yesterday on the birthday of her daughter Sarah, long in heaven. A friend there in England prayed with her in person, while I had the honor of offering the Eucharist here in California for Sally and Sarah. The Body of Christ knows no boundaries of time or space, and I believe that both times of intercession converged with the dedicated, courageous steps Sally has been taking in her life to bring her a consoling, freeing experience of God's tender love. In her own words: Yesterday I experienced what I can only refer to as a deep healing- something in my spirit changed and I feel at peace with myself and with God for the first time in a long time!

God longs to pour out the Spirit's healing power in our hearts, and there are so many ways to open ourselves to that. But I believe that the sacraments are a powerful fountain of healing grace, giving us a vital connection with the paschal mystery of Jesus' death and resurrection. As a priest I find it my greatest joy to assist people in coming to that fountain of life and light, and experiencing this concrete example of its fruitfulness has inspired me to take action on something I have been thinking about for a long time.

If you would like a mass celebrated for spiritual or physical healing, for yourself or a loved one, or as a memorial for someone who has died, please feel free to contact me by e-mail. We can do this in person if you live in, or can travel to, the southern California area, and--if you wish--combine it with the sacraments of anointing and/or reconciliation. Or we can come together in prayer across the miles. You needn't be Catholic, or Christian for that matter, just open to God's extravagant love in Jesus which broke all human boundaries and exclusions. This form of prayer can be especially powerful when offered to honor and grieve pregnancy loss through abortion or miscarriage, or for the healing of deep wounds such as abuse or addiction which can cast their shadow over many generations. You can share as little or as much information about your situation as you are comfortable with, and everything shared will be completely confidential--unless, like Sally, you choose to blog about it yourself! And of course I would never accept payment for such a privilege, though if you wish you can make a donation to a charity of your choice.

May we all, with unveiled faces, see the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, and be transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit. (2 Cor. 3:18)