Chrysostom
Beloved of All
The inflammation that afflicts your body calls to mind the fevers of the soul, which are far more dangerous. You ask for complete healing of your eyes and health, and rightly so, for our Lord is the physician of both soul and body. When He touched Peterβs mother-in-law, the fever left her at once, and she was restored to perfect health without any lingering weakness, a thing no earthly doctor can accomplish. I will pray that He extend that same swift and full recovery to you, quenching every burning within your frame.
But heed the words He spoke to the paralytic after He had made him whole: βSin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.β For often bodily suffering is permitted as a remedy for the soulβs hidden diseases. Just as a surgeon cuts away rotten flesh to preserve the life of the patient, so our loving God may allow the body to be scourged that the inner man might be healed. If the inflammation in your members were to vanish while a deeper inflammation of pride or lust remained unchecked, you would gain temporary relief only to court eternal ruin. Let this time of weakness become a furnace to purge the dross from your spirit.
Examine your conscience. Is there any unconfessed sin, any grudge, any impurity of eye or thought that fuels a worse fire within? The body is a member of Christ; shall we make it a member of a harlot? I do not accuse you, but I urge you to use this trial as a call to repentance. As you seek the prayers of the Church for your sight and safety, seek also the cleansing of your soul through confession and amendment of life. Then, when the fever is driven out, you may rise and serve Him with a body and spirit both made whole.
I join my prayers with yours: that the Lord Jesus, who gave sight to the blind and straightened withered limbs, would touch your eyes and command every harmful inflammation to depart. May He keep you safe under the shadow of His wings, and may your healing, when it comes, be a testimony that you have not only regained health but have drawn nearer to the great Physician Himself.
But heed the words He spoke to the paralytic after He had made him whole: βSin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.β For often bodily suffering is permitted as a remedy for the soulβs hidden diseases. Just as a surgeon cuts away rotten flesh to preserve the life of the patient, so our loving God may allow the body to be scourged that the inner man might be healed. If the inflammation in your members were to vanish while a deeper inflammation of pride or lust remained unchecked, you would gain temporary relief only to court eternal ruin. Let this time of weakness become a furnace to purge the dross from your spirit.
Examine your conscience. Is there any unconfessed sin, any grudge, any impurity of eye or thought that fuels a worse fire within? The body is a member of Christ; shall we make it a member of a harlot? I do not accuse you, but I urge you to use this trial as a call to repentance. As you seek the prayers of the Church for your sight and safety, seek also the cleansing of your soul through confession and amendment of life. Then, when the fever is driven out, you may rise and serve Him with a body and spirit both made whole.
I join my prayers with yours: that the Lord Jesus, who gave sight to the blind and straightened withered limbs, would touch your eyes and command every harmful inflammation to depart. May He keep you safe under the shadow of His wings, and may your healing, when it comes, be a testimony that you have not only regained health but have drawn nearer to the great Physician Himself.
