St. Joseph's Syro-Malabar Catholic Church

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Home Catholic Questions & Answers Some people comment that in some retreat centers the healing is more preacher-centered than Christ-centered? Is it true?

Some people comment that in some retreat centers the healing is more preacher-centered than Christ-centered? Is it true?

No genuine preacher would claim healing as the manifestation of his power, rather would humbly admit and confess before the audience that he is merely an instrument in the hands of God who heals. All glory and honour is due to Him only. Whenever Jesus worked a miracle, he did it for the glory of God (Mt. 9:7:Lk.7:16) and for the good of the people (physical good is in healing itself, spiritual good is being saved by believing in Jesus and accepting Him as savior) (In. 4:53, Mt. 9:5; 8:13; Luke. 17:11-19). Healings in the retreat centers also are oriented to the glorification of God and sanctification of man. That is why after each healing, Praise the Lord is uttered in a thunderous voice. When all glory and honour is given to God in the Highest, man attains God-given peace or salvation (Luke. 2:14).


But it so happens that people mistake the shadow for the reality, the instrument for the operator behind. They might give more prominence to the preacher than to Jesus. It is not the preacher's fault as far as he doesn't entertain it or encourage it. In such situations the preacher has the duty to correct such erroneous notions. When people looked amazed at Peter's healing the lame man, his reaction to them was, "men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we have made this man walk?" (Acts 3: 12). And His (Jesus') name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all" (V. 16). When Paul healed a crippled man, people being amazed at it thronged to Paul and Barnabas praising them saying "the gods have come down to us in the likeness of men". The priest of Zeus brought to the gates garlands to adorn them and oxen to sacrifice" (Acts 14 :6-13). But when the Apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude crying out and saying, "men, why are you doing these things" We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these vain things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea and all things that are in them" (VV 14-15). This is how a genuine preacher, should correct the people who throng to him.


Sometimes some critics misinterpret the healing to be preacher centered only because some preachers have the gift of healing. The critics should have proper understanding that only a few receive this gift of healing. "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord, and there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works ­ all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the spirit, to another word of knowledge through the same spirit, to another faith by the same spirit, to another gifts of healing by the same spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills" (1 Cor 12:4-11, 28). If the Holy Spirit gives the gift of healing to only a few as He wills, what right have we to be envious of them in using their gifts? Let us earnestly desire for the best gifts (V. 31) and pray that all those who received the gifts exercise them with love (13:1-13) for the building up of the body of Christ, the Church (12:27).

 


Sunday Prayer Meeting

Every Sunday we have our prayer meeting starting from 8.45 am to 10.00 am conducted at Church Chapel. Everyone is welcome to join us also encourage others do the same.

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Prayer Meeting Schedule

St. Mathew's Prayer Group
(N/A)

St. Joseph's Prayer Group
(N/A)

Little Theresa Prayer Group
Saturday, Mar 17, at 7.00 pm
Joy & Shyni's Residence
2201 79th Place N, Seminole, FL 33772
Phone: (727) 319-3125

Sacred Heart Prayer Group
Friday Mar 9, at 7.00 pm
Kochumon & Kochumol's Residence
6308 Sea Lavender Ln, Tampa, FL 33625
Phone: (813) 962-0941

 


SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 
Prayer Meeting - 8.45 AM
Malayalam Mass - 10.15 AM

Tuesday - Friday
Malayalam Mass - 6.30 PM

Saturday
Malayalam Mass - 9.00 AM
followed by Adoration.

CCD CLASS - EVERY SUNDAY
Every Sunday 8.50 AM,
followed by Malayalam Mass.

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REGISTRATION
If you have not registered with the SJSMCC, please do so ASAP. This is mandated by the diocese. Regardless of your membership with KCACF, separate registration with SJSMCC is required. SJSMCC has to maintain its own record. SJSMCC can provide any reference or document only if you are a member of the church.

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We are doing a Holy Rosary over Telephone every night at 9.00 PM. Please join with us today!

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