April 16, 2018

The Holy Virgins and Martyrs Agapia, Irene and Chionia (284-305)

Read
Acts 6:8-7:5, 47-60; John 4:46-54

Christ is risen! Truly, He is risen!

I remember how once Fr. Bob Anderson of blessed memory was asked to bless some food during a time of fellowship and how, not seeing the food, asked where it was. After he was told that it was in the next room, he jokingly remarked, “Don’t worry; my blessings can go around corners and through walls.”

While Fr. Bob’s blessings turned corners and went through walls, Christ shows us how His healing powers can traverse long distances. This healing from a distance could be considered a double healing. The first healing is that of the young boy from a distance. That is clear.

The second healing, however, is a bit more complex for the second healing done by Christ is His healing of the nobleman. This man comes to Christ with a very weak faith, without understanding who Christ is or what He is able to do. Christ’s words of healing do not fully solidify his faith either as he inquired regarding the time that his son was healed. It isn’t until he puts two and two together that He realizes who Christ is and the power Christ has in healing the sick.

How strong is our faith in Christ? Do we trust in His words that we hear in the Scriptures or do we demand signs? Does our prayer life comfort us in our affliction or do we allow the waves of the world to toss us about to and fro?