Christ's Healing Power

Matthew 9:20-22

The woman in this Gospel story believed that touching the garment of Christ would provide magical healing. Jesus, however, told her that her newfound health came not from Him, but from her faith. In the same way, we can learn to find His power within ourselves.

To focus His healing attention, sit comfortably and quietly in a place free from distractions. Breathe easily, and let go of the busy-ness of the conscious mind. Listen and feel as your body calls out about those areas which need His grace. Bring careful and compassionate awareness to those pains, tensions, or afflictions. As emotions arise which accompany the pain, become aware of them too. Let the emotions give silent voice, but do not contend with them.

Instead, allow the emotions to pass away as effortlessly as they arrived. Turn your attention again to your body. Don't despair if immediate results do not appear. Years of forgetful sleep have left each of us far from our true spiritual homes. Continue your efforts to find the path to God, and place your feet upon it.

To deepen your healing attention, imagine a temple in which you can find great wisdom and love. Actively visualize the place you have imagined, allowing its sights, and smells, and feelings to come into your awareness. Feel a gentle breeze touch your skin, comforting you and bringing relaxation. As you sit in this place, renew your attention to your deepest afflictions.

Sitting on the temple steps, notice Jesus approaching in the midst of a crowd. Watch as he turns in your direction, sees you sitting there, and walks directly toward you. Feel Him place a gentle hand upon the part of you which still feels pain. If you cannot yet feel His physical touch, place your own hand upon that part of your body, as if you yourself possess His healing strength. Feel this place in great detail. Does it feel hard or soft? Hot or cool? What colors, feelings, or sensations arise as you contemplate this pain? Open yourself to these feelings, then let them go, and imagine the pain going with them.

Stay in this special place, in your own spiritual temple, as long as you feel the need. As you depart, remember that you can return to the temple and talk with Christ whenever you like, for your heart is the temple, and He lives within.