During his lifetime, Jesus was known as a great preacher, teacher and healer.
Perhaps in our minds we equate preaching and teaching with speech, and quite often boring speech, and we hive off healing to the medical profession. For Jesus however, the three activities feed off one another; so, his preaching and teaching were profound because he earthed them in action, in healing.
Jesus calls his church to be agents of healing. On the individual level, by walking alongside those who are sick and frightened. By respecting others and not judging them. By supporting them in their own choices of life. To welcoming them and being their friend.
And the church is also called to be healers of this world – to work with others in preventing further damage to the environment. To fighting poverty and bigotry, wherever it raises its ugly head. To seek for justice and fairness for everyone, not just for those who are rich and powerful.
As Jesus said, reading in the synagogue:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.”
And Jesus rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.