Witnessing my mum suffer from ill-health was a challenging experience. I prayed for her recovery many times. She remained cheerful and strong in spirit throughout her illness and I feel blessed to have witnessed her courage and grace.
I’m sure God held her close. In her last days, she said my dad, who had died a year earlier, had visited, and said to her it was her time to leave us and be with him and God. I cherish that memory.
Now at Easter, we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. It is a profoundly sacred time, where we receive an invitation to live a healthier and holier life, to receive and give forgiveness abundantly. In Proverbs 16:24 we are encouraged to be kind: “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” At the centre of health, there is a pulse of loving kindness to the self and others. Scientists affirm this.
We thrive in supportive communities. Jesus, throughout his earthly ministry, expressed his love for others by blessing and serving the poor, the sick and the distressed. By simply loving and respecting ourselves and each other, we are living in the light of Christ. That is the healthiest way to be.
God restore us in your image, replenish and wash away all past wounds.
Fill our hearts with your purity and peace, to bring us closer in union with you.
Lord God, loving Father and creator, nourish us and cast away fear,
Realign what is broken and hurt, to offer hope and courage.
You are always and forever eternal, heal our earthly hearts.
May we bring warmth and respite to others, spreading joy and love in your name.
Amen.
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