To bear and to share in the Gospel; St. Paul proclaims this as his life's work. We see this theme carried forward in today's readings.

Job needed to share in the good news to break through his state of mind- "Is not our life on earth a drudgery?" and to break through his struggle with God that indeed bad things do happen to good people, one way of expressing the theme of the book of Job.

All those "who were ill and possessed…"needed a share in the Gospel. And they received it for Jesus "cured" them. Simon Peter's mother in law "who lay sick with a fever" needed a share in the Gospel. And she received it for "the fever left her". In fact, she not only shared in the Gospel but she became a bearer of the Good News because upon being healed, "she waited on them"- the Gospel of caring!

My sister recently lost her 67 year old husband to advanced Parkinson. I visit with her in her home and deeply feel her sadness. I can be with her and for her. I can do for her and with her. I can pray with her and for her. However, as a preacher - a bearer and sharer of the good news, I believe I need to do more. I believe my sister and anyone in need, needs more. My yes to Jesus doing and being through me is by far the healing that she and others need. Letting Jesus pray through me, tells me to "get out of the way" - to surrender to Jesus entering into my life, in order that Jesus can enter into my sister's life so that she may have a share in the Gospel. Isn't that what Jesus did as he prayed in communion with the Divine Presence, as he prepared for this work to preach and to heal the broken in body, mind and spirit? Is this not the Dominican Presence of Contemplation and Action? Is this not the Gospel and Sacrament of the True Presence of our Healing God?

As a member of the International Order of St. Luke the Physician, which is an inter-faith healing group, I share with you a prayer that I say daily.

Almighty God, who didst inspire Thy servant Luke the physician to set forth in the Gospel the love and healing power of Thy Son; graciously continue in Thy Church the like love and power to heal, to the praise and glory of Thy Name.

Jo-Anne Faillace,OP