In seminary we were required to take a course called, Clinical Pastoral Education, or CPE. This was done in a health care setting usually over a summer. I did mine at Rockford Memorial Hospital. It is an intense learning experience in a real life situation, with a personal evaluation component. During this time we would often discuss how often physical sickness followed emotional crisis or personal brokeness.
Many persons with heart issues did not always take care of themselves, often times due to multiple work and family responsibilities. Stomach issues seemed to follow years of holding on to anger, frustration, and disappointments. Persons who seemed to be able to multi-task their lives had their backs strained.
The need to be healed and to heal is so great in our lives. In John's Gospel we have the story of the Woman at the Well. One of my favorite. We come to understand that she is forgiven, but she is also restored to her community. Moreso her dignity and worth are re-affirmed. So many folks walk around bruised and battered, and like little children, do not always konw how to be healed.
Our faith gives us a perspective of recieving oneness and communion with God and others. Faith cannot be a run through the wildflowers; or at least by itself. Its work. Healing and reconciliation are really important. Too often we hold on to gunk that we should have had put down long ago. Through prayer and faithfilled communities we need to look for healing.
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