ACC ~ Mark 5 v34b

THE WAY OF HEALING

APOSTOLIC CONSTITUTIONS: Provide remedies suitable to every patient’s case. Cure them, heal them by all means possible. Restore them soundly to the church. Feed the flock, “not with insolence and contempt, as lording it over them,” [1] but as a gentle shepherd, “gathering the lambs into your bosom, and gently leading those which are with young.” [2] CONSTITUTIONS OF THE HOLY APOSTLES 2.3.20. [3]

THE HEALING IMPERATIVE

PRUDENTIUS:

Members filled with leprous ulcers,

flesh corrupted and decayed,

“Go and wash them, I command you”;

what he ordered then is done;

Wounds are healed by pious cleansing,

swollen flesh grows smooth again. [4]

Now on eyes, by lifelong darkness,

shrouded from the light of day

Thou dost spread a clay of healing, made

with nectar from thy lips;

Soon the blinded orbs are opened and

rejoice in late-found sight. [5]

Thou dost chide the angry tempest

and the savage hurricane,

Which upheave the tossing billows

and beset the fragile boat;

At thy bidding winds are subject,

and the rolling waves are stilled. [6]

Then a woman, weak and timid, touched

his sacred garment’s hem: Instant was the blessed healing, and

the pallor left her cheek,

As the hemorrhage she had suffered

through so many years was stopped. [7]

Lazarus for four days buried, hidden in the sunless tomb,

He restores to life and vigor, giving power to breathe again,

And the soul returning, enters flesh now crumbling to decay. [8]

HYMN 9. [9]

[1] Cf. Ezek 34:4; Mt 20:25.

[2] Cf. Is 40:11.

[3] PG 1:637; ANF 7:405. The healing ministry of the church is adapted to each particular adversity confronted.

[4] Mt 8:2-3.

[5] Cf. Jn 9:1-7.

[6] Cf. Mt 8:24-26.

[7] Cf. Mt 9:20-22; Mk 5:25-34; Lk 8:43-48.

[8] Cf. Jn 11:38-44.

[9] Cetedoc 1438, 9.31; FC 43:62-63.