Palliative Care

I've been reading and praying with John 11, the story of Lazarus' progressing illness, death, and his healing. I have also been praying with and for several people who are receiving palliative care for severe illnesses. The goal of palliative care is to improve the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problems associated with life-threatening illness. Jesus' presence with Lazarus and his family speaks clearly to me and all of us who are facing the cavernous mouth of death.

No matter how painful or hopeless an emotional, physical or mental situation becomes, Jesus' assuring presence can break through. When we pray with and for each other we administer a spiritual balm that is life giving. We can massage the tired heart, soothe the wounded psyche, and bathe the suffering body with Christ's curative presence.

Many of the members at CRLC have commented that our prayer list seems very, very long these days. That is true! As we walk through these days the call to pray on behalf of each other is magnifying. What a blessing...Christ, the deepest and richest source of the soul's healing is with us administering palliative care. Our lives cannot be ultimately defined or limited by illness or mortality. (Read Praying the Mystery--link to the left)