Sunday, 18th February, was observed as Medical Sunday with members of the Healthcare sector taking lead roles in different parts of the Worship Service.
The sermon was delivered by Mrs. Smitha Susan Varghese based on the theme "Healing and wholeness". She reminded that, the health conditions of the current generation has deteriorated compared to olden days. Every individual has to take some sort of medication every day. Where do we look to, for our healing? Indeed, healing is from the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds (Psalm 147:3). Any sort of ailment affects us mentally, which is more than the physical pain. The physician checks mainly about our physical pain. However, God looks at our inner healing and touches our heart to heal us. In the old testament, God healed his people through the prophets, but in the new testament, healing is done through Jesus. The speaker took the analogy of the ABCD method for saving lives (in medical science), to demonstrate holistic healing and how we can be part of it.
(1) "A"irway - Analyse and accept. We need to accept the word of God, while examining ourselves and surrendering to God like Job did (Job 1:21), casting all our anxiety on him because he cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). We have to hold on to the promise of God as it says in Isaiah 41:10 : "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." When the devil puts fear in us when we are sick, we need to trust God, so that He will give us hope and heal us.
(2) "B"reathing - Believe. The touch of Jesus healed the woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years (Luke 8:43-44). As we see in the old testament, in the story of Namaan (2 Kings 5:11-13) the process of healing may not be exactly as we wish, but we have to believe in God and his process which will ensure us healing.
(3) "C"irculation - Confession. Psalm 6 is called the song of confession. We need to flee from evil and confess (Psalm 6:8), so that God hears our weeping and heals us.
(4) "D"efibrilation - Declaration. We should be able to declare to others what God has done for us in our lives. In Mark 5:19 Jesus tells the man who had been demon-possessed “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” Our declaration helps others to come to Jesus, to find healing in their lives.
Our careful prayer for others leads others to healing (Matthew 18:20). Family prayer in unity of mind, ensures healing in the family. May God help us to surrender to Him and trust that His Word will heal and deliver us.
Rev. Raju Jacob, our Vicar, led the Holy Communion Service.