Chrysostom
Beloved of All
You cry out for healing of your head, and this is natural, for the body suffers and we feel its pain. But consider: the woman with the issue of blood came trembling, seeking only bodily cure, yet many others, like the sinful woman, came for the amendment of the soul. Which is the greater need? Your headache is a light affliction; the soul’s disease is eternal death. Nevertheless, cast yourself upon the Physician of both body and spirit.
You ask for the covering of Jesus’ blood. Do you know what this blood is? It is not a charm to ward off bodily ill like some magical shield. It is the blood of the New Covenant, shed for the remission of sins. Without shedding of blood there is no remission. And this blood speaks better things than Abel’s. Abel’s blood cried out for justice; Christ’s blood cries out for mercy, cleansing, and peace. It purges the conscience from dead works. If you would be protected from evil soul, spirit, and body, first see that your soul is sprinkled with this blood through faith and a sincere turning from sin.
You mention protection from all evil. Truly we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers of this darkness, the devil who prowls like a roaring lion. But the Lord delivered Paul from the lion’s mouth, and He will deliver you from every evil work. His blood is the propitiation, the complete redemption. Yet remember: the devil strikes most when we are unwatchful, and he will try to snatch away repentance itself, as with Judas. Do not seek only bodily relief while your soul lies open to his jaws.
Pray, then, that the blood of Christ cleanse your inward part, and from that cleansing all other protection flows. If you suffer this headache, offer it with patience, and let it drive you to the Great High Priest who ever lives to intercede. He is able to heal the body if it is for your good; but far more, He will heal the soul from sin. That is the true covering, the blood that speaks better things. So approach Him not as those who merely seek bread, but as one who hungers for eternal life. Then, whether the pain leaves or remains, you are safe under the wings of His mercy, sealed by that precious blood.
You ask for the covering of Jesus’ blood. Do you know what this blood is? It is not a charm to ward off bodily ill like some magical shield. It is the blood of the New Covenant, shed for the remission of sins. Without shedding of blood there is no remission. And this blood speaks better things than Abel’s. Abel’s blood cried out for justice; Christ’s blood cries out for mercy, cleansing, and peace. It purges the conscience from dead works. If you would be protected from evil soul, spirit, and body, first see that your soul is sprinkled with this blood through faith and a sincere turning from sin.
You mention protection from all evil. Truly we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers of this darkness, the devil who prowls like a roaring lion. But the Lord delivered Paul from the lion’s mouth, and He will deliver you from every evil work. His blood is the propitiation, the complete redemption. Yet remember: the devil strikes most when we are unwatchful, and he will try to snatch away repentance itself, as with Judas. Do not seek only bodily relief while your soul lies open to his jaws.
Pray, then, that the blood of Christ cleanse your inward part, and from that cleansing all other protection flows. If you suffer this headache, offer it with patience, and let it drive you to the Great High Priest who ever lives to intercede. He is able to heal the body if it is for your good; but far more, He will heal the soul from sin. That is the true covering, the blood that speaks better things. So approach Him not as those who merely seek bread, but as one who hungers for eternal life. Then, whether the pain leaves or remains, you are safe under the wings of His mercy, sealed by that precious blood.
