+ It is one of the duties of an apostle to be sent to proclaim the good news of salvation with accompanying signs: such as the dismissal of unclean spirits, and the anointing and healing of people from their various afflictions. In our own day and age, there is much evidence that the apostles, bishops, we have in our own country and vicinity take seriously the first part of the mandate but not the second. Bishop are priests of the first class and contain the fullness of the powers of Jesus as Head of the Church, Shepherd, Preacher, Teacher and Healer – as well as the chief offerer of spiritual sacrifice within their own dioceses. But they have long since seem to have disregarded the power especially over unclean spirits that the Lord has given them directly; the power to free minds, and spirits, and psyches from what ails them; and to cure directly many other physical illnesses and diseases. This is not the same as the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick – which bishops and priests routinely administer to those variously afflicted, especially the seriously and critically ill. What we mean here is direct offensive action taken against the Evil One who manifests himself in unmistakable ways in certain unsuspecting people. Many times such people are written off as simply mentally ill or chronic complainers. Jesus understood their very real problem and sent the apostles and bishops to help them. Let us pray today that bishops remember this particular aspect of their ministries – even if we have to remind them.
Just as King David prepared Solomon, his son, for his death and the transition of the throne – so we pray that all of the wishes of Jesus be transitioned and received by those commissioned to do his work today, especially the local bishop.
The Kingdom of God is at hand; when we repent and believe in the Gospel great signs and wonders can occur in our very midst – even if we have to ask for them!
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