HEALING GRACE

HEALING GRACE
© ARC Nov. 1-2, 2013

All Saints/Souls Days are very important/symbolic to me.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Saints%27_Day
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Souls%27_Day

I was eight years old when dramatic episodic life changing events happened.

I was raised ultra right conservative Catholic, Sicilian roots.
I had a child faith that was deep. My `proof of pudding’ event happened at age two. I lost something. Mom guided me in front of a huge Saint Anthony picture hanging in her bedroom - told me he was in charge of finding lost things. She said: say Three Hail Mary’s, and you’ll find it.
I was precocious; dutifully recited them and left. Within minutes…found.
I rushed back, stared at him in awe and said: You’re good! From that moment, he became my constant Kimosabe.

So when Mom greeted me on the front porch that day after school looking anguished telling me that the priest was called for Extreme Unction for my father, there was no hesitation…I spun around and ran all the way back to our church, Holy Redeemer, two blocks away next to my school, imploring Saint Anthony for help all the way.

It was empty mid afternoon; I raced down the middle aisle - my eyes fixated on the cross. I said with child audacity: you can‘t have him, I owe you. This referred to three wishes traditionally taught granted to those with faith when you visited a new church. I had already used up three at local church - one had just been granted. I wanted a bicycle so bad. Older brother Salvatore was very popular with the religious community for he helped them with odds/ends and did errands. We both celebrated April birthdays along with our mother. He received a surprise new one from them; I got his old one - I was so happy! So, I needed to find another church to honor three wishes request.

I dashed home. Again mom waiting; this time awe on her face. The priest had arrived - Extreme Unction administered - dad made dramatic change for the better. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extreme_Unction


In my `salad’ days, I trained as an `healing touch practitioner’. I had a veteran once who broke down crying. No one had ever touched his leg with the amputated foot. The caressive touch was sacred and holy like a mother blessing her infant.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_anointing_oil

Anointing oil is used in Christianity. A passage in the New Testament says, "Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven." James 5:13,14(NIV)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annointed

Olive oil was used also for medicinal purposes. It was applied to the sick, and also to wounds to soften them (Isaiah 1:6).
http://health.sify.com/benefits-of-an-oil-massage/

Mental health Q&A: Handling undue stress »
Benefits of an oil massage…
From the 5000-year-old Ayurvedic healing tradition of India to being referenced in the writings of Homer, Socrates and Plato, oil massages are not a new idea. Adding warm massage oil to the experience of a massage can be blissfully relaxing and wonderfully comforting, while it rejuvenates your mind and body. Not only does it enhance the relaxing nature of the massage, but it also aids in healing processes. The smooth gliding motion that a massage oil helps to achieve nourishes the skin and helps to dissolve accumulated toxins and stress, which promotes general good health.
…
How it helps
Tones the muscles along with the whole physiology
Helps to keep the joints flexible
Relieves fatigue, aches and pain in the body
Calms the nerves

Increases circulation
Improves the complexion of the skin by adding luster
Improves energy and mental alertness
Promotes deeper and better sleep
Nourishes the whole body, promoting longevity
…
Six years later, I received this sacrament. I was invited to freshman peer’s party. It was a Saturday, heavily raining. Mom encouraged me not to go for I would have to walk to bus stop two blocks away; did not have suitable rain gear, not even an umbrella. I went, got soaked; waited and waited at the bus-stop…never came. I started home. I don’t remember what happened…came to…my elder brother Salvatore noticed something on the sidewalk on our street as he drove slowly home because of the pouring rain. It was me! Got me home; I don’t remember anything…just told days later priest called…I still don’t remember/know all the details.

I had other near death experiences…first at two years old when a car almost ran over me; two others drowning; but the most significant happened mid-December 2005 when I was stabbed 42 times - in a coma for two months. The story is quite dramatic - working on the book - but once again Extreme Unction administered by Father Emmanuel in hospital critical care unit. I’m sure my Kimosabe who saved life requested.

Months later, staying at my daughter’s apartment, she gave me two gifts: annual Netflix subscription, and a home healing massage. The benefits of being distracted while recuperating in chronic ill state are too numerous to count. My severely wounded body soaked up soothing healing energy revitalizing and rejuvenating every nerve. It was pure bliss.

There are varied thoughts regarding scientific and spiritual healing: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/candy-gunther-brown-phd/testing-prayer-science-of-healing_b_1299915.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Efficacy_of_prayer
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massage_therapy

In the coma, I believe I heard my mother calling me…she said one word: NAMES. I believe that I am living to add to an extensive list begun so, so long ago. My day starts with bended knee at 3:00 a.m. - prayers begin - I walk a mile to 6:00 a.m. church with intermittent prayers throughout day.
God Bless dear reader, you and yours on daily prayer list. RN/MJG+++###