When we speak of healing, our first thought is of being cured of a physical complaint. But we know that there are many other areas of living where healing of a spiritual character is required. Indeed, if we are honest, there is greater need for such healing in today's world than for the physical type. Let us take a few minutes to identify such areas. The first area that comes to mind is with the individual who has been afflicted - learning to live with a permanent disability is not easily achieved; in turn, this has repercussions within the family - the partnership between husband and wife is put to the test, when, through illness or injury, one partner becomes dependant on the care and attention of the other; such demands can only be met with dedicated patience and love; and there are times when these commodities are in short supply! Other causes of stress within a partnership can result from disagreements stemming from children's behaviour; or economic management within the family. I have no doubt that you, with a more practical, hands on involvement, can identify many other areas in which "healing" needs to take place.
Then, there are the situations involving "neighbours". This may include relatives. How often do we hear that statement - "I can never forgive...." This definitely creates a situation where "healing" is required. The insidious problem with unresolved anger is that it is corrosive, constantly eating away at one's inner character.
One other area of human experience that frequently requires a healing hand is the experience of death. Where death results from violent or tragic causes, frequently anger and rebellion afflict those closely related to the deceased.
As you see, it is not hard to identify areas in which the human soul requires a healing hand, but it is not always easy to accept that hand. One thing certain is that all healing requires patience. As Christians we seek out models to follow. This afternoon, again, I offer you the example of Mary and Joseph dealing with a problem which, initially, threatened their relationship - Mary's pregnancy. In St. Matthew's gospel we are told that on hearing the news, Joseph "thought about quietly leaving her". Here we get a deep insight into Joseph's character. He could have reacted, as many lesser people have reacted in similar circumstances, by publicly denouncing Mary's perceived infidelity, or issuing an angry ultimatum that he would have nothing more to do with her; that she had betrayed his trust And Mary, could have protested that it wasn't her fault and how dare he doubt her; if that was all the trust that he had in her, then "he had better get on his bike and push off"!!
Fortunately, neither of them acted out their hurt feelings. Mary had no choice about keeping silent; she was God's instrument and would do nothing to explain her situation until prompted by God. Joseph, although upset and puzzled, was also prepared to wait in patient faith and, wisely, decided to sleep on the problem! What a difference sleeping on the problem can make!
So many of our bad situations in life result from our impatience and jumping to conclusions.
From the example of Joseph and Mary may we learn the value of quiet prayer in difficult situations, of being patient and of not being judgmental. Years ago, when the "Cold War" between East and West was at its most intense, an English Prime Minister, Harold MacMillan, stated that it was better to "Jaw, Jaw than to War, War!" Personal relationship generally operate on the same principle - far better to talk things over rather than to resort to "nospeaks" or fisticuffs! Hopefully, our short reflection this afternoon will remind us how difficult situations can be changed and balance restored to our lives when we handle our hurts quietly and patiently. And, if as sometimes happens, relationships cannot be restored, then, move on. The loss of one friend, the disruptive antics of one person in the family, or on the job, does not mean that the whole of life has been blown apart.