The opening line of today’s first reading is important: “God did not make death, nor does he rejoice in the destruction of the living.” Death and sickness are consequences of original sin. However, God’s plan was for Adam and Eve to live in the Garden of Eden without experiencing sickness or death.
Although illness, disease, and death are consequences of sin, they are not the result of sin. In the ancient world, people often attributed serious illness to a person’s moral life. For example, if a person had cancer, it was because they lived a sinful life. In some cases, sinful behavior can lead to sickness or death. Overindulging in liquor may end in cirrhosis of the liver. The sin (gluttony) caused the illness. But not always. Sometimes, an innocent person becomes ill (a child with leukemia, for example).
In his ministry, Jesus came to show us that he was master over sin, sickness, and death. He rescues us from those things that put a barrier between ourselves and God. The faith of the bleeding woman, the plea of Jairus, and the prayer of many people over the centuries have resulted in miracles and restorations.
God does not want us to die, so he sent his son to give us a new lease on life and to assist us in achieving everlasting life. This week, reflect on something for which you need healing or forgiveness and ask the Lord to raise you up.
