Have faith to heal

THE EDITOR: I was extremely impressed by Archbishop Gilbert’s article “Surgery and Spirituality” in the Catholic News of March 28. I was very ill some years ago and I easily identified with his four steps involved in the process to improve health. Although I am a Roman Catholic, I had to be treated by a Hindu masseur once a week for about two years. I experienced a complete cure and vigorous good health which has lasted now for over 25 years. So it seems that a cure can come from a faith not our own.

I engaged in a lot of private prayer during my illness and I now see my restoration to good health as a grace from God. The flood of relief I experienced was a source of great joy. Is it any wonder that St Paul wished the early Christian communities grace and peace? I remember the pain and discomfort in trying to return to good health and wrestling with the dreaded thought that I was going to die. Only faith in Jesus can make us win that fight!

Also, I began to appreciate in a deeper way the beauty of the world — the Northern Range, the Caribbean Sea, the planets, the stars, infinity. Is there another side to man beyond his material and biological self? Do we have a spiritual nature? Perhaps His Grace may feel to add to his comments and reflections in light of the above?

BRIAN NOREIGA
D’Abadie