Lay Hands on the Sick

My 95yr old father is fighting for life at the hospital. It is now 8 days since he was admitted. Yesterday, during my visit, I was told by the doctors ‘if all goes well he can return home in 2 or 3 days’. My mind recollected the day of his admittance, I believed then - this is the end. But two days later, my priest mentor came and laid hands on him. He administered the sacrament - Anointing of the Sick.

This week’s Gospel Mark 16: 18, Jesus says ‘…they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.’ Reflecting on the passage, I thought of the occasion. The priest’s patience, soothing and comforting bedside manners, and gentle words of prayer brought a calm over him that day. I was blessed to see Jesus’ words in action.

Jesus promises these charisms not only to priests but to ‘those who believe’. While the priests are ordained to administer the sacrament, we believers are offered the gift of laying hands on the sick. I believe these words are not confined to a literal interpretation but extends to allegorical and spiritual meanings. As believers we are called to be healers.

This healing can manifest in many forms—through prayer, compassionate presence, and acts of kindness. Healing can be as simple as offering a listening ear to someone in distress, providing comfort to those who grieve, or extending kindness to those who feel isolated and alone. In our interactions, we have the opportunity to reflect the grace and love of Christ, becoming instruments of His peace and healing.

We are called to be spaces where people feel valued and understood, where they can find solace and strength. This involves cultivating a spirit of empathy, patience, and genuine concern for the well-being of others. It means praying for those who are suffering, visiting the sick, and supporting those who care for them.

Yesterday, at my visit, I found him agitated. I prayed with him and comforted him with the words - Daddy, be at peace, all is well with you and God, you received the sacraments, relax, release yourself into His arms. I then said the Our Father and Hail Mother Mary prayers with him. He calmed down.

As I write this, I received a call from my brother that last night he took a turn for the worse, his oxygen levels have dropped sharply. Pray with me and let us each lay our hands on those in our family and circle of friends who need our healing hands.

The accompanying picture is of a statue of St Martin de Porres - a healer of many sick people.