Jesus cured many people in his three years of ministry. Many times, he linked these cures
with the faith he found in the people he cured. Remember the faith he found in the
centurion who said, “Only say the word and my servant will be healed.” What is there
about the faith that leads to new life? Many in the medical profession have concluded the
relationship between a person’s beliefs and physical healing. Most are familiar with the
placebo effect.
If a person is constantly consumed with negative thinking, such as resentment or lack of
forgiveness, it can affect a person’s health. Faith in Jesus who was crucified but rose to
new life, gives a person hope. Whatever the circumstances that a person has to go
through, in the end there can be new life. The motto for our Holy Cross Community is
“The Cross, our only hope.” The life, death and resurrection of Christ becomes the
pattern for Christ’s disciples. Jesus says, “Take up your cross and follow me.” It is in our
suffering that we can identify with the countless number of people in the world who have
crosses to bear much greater than our own. In relying on God’s love for us we can
become a witness to God’s healing power. Our faith can save us.
• What helps you have a positive attitude toward life?
• How does faith in Jesus help you to deal with suffering?
• Are you spreading Christian hope in your world?
O God, give me the faith I need to bring hope to a hurting world.