St. Joseph's Syro-Malabar Catholic Church

The question arises from a misunderstanding that the healing is done by the preacher. He is only an instrument in God's hands. The real healing is effected by the word of God and the work of the Spirit. The word of God is living and powerful {Heb. 4:12). It is life-giving (In. 11 :43-44) and healing (In. 9:7). So one cannot separate healing from the preaching. Jesus' commission to the apostles to preach the gospel to every creation (Mk. 16:15 ij includes the healing ministry, '1hey will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover" 0/. 18). Healing is also the work of the spirit. It is the word filled with spirit that heals. "The spirit of the Lord is upon me... to preach the gospel to the poor .... to heal the broken-hearted' (Luke.

4:18). It was after receiving the spirit (Acts 2:1-4) that Peter healed the lame man (3:1-11). St. Paul enlists healing as one of the gifts of the Spirit. "The manifestation of the spirit is given to each one for the profit of all for to one is given wisdom... knowledge ..... faith..... gifts of healings ..... " (I Cor 12:4-11).