Written by Barb Spies, OFS, Director of Mission Services and Pastoral Care

This last week I had the opportunity to listen to some wonderful preachers. They are filled with the joy of the Gospel and have found creative and meaningful ways to share that joy. One spoke of how our image of God can help us to feel more comfortable with delving into God’s word. He pictures God sitting on a comfortable sofa, sipping a large cup of coffee, and examining the news of the day. His insistence on focusing on the flap of the wings of a hummingbird tells us all we need to know about God’s awareness of all that we do and God’s attention to our needs.

Another preacher spoke of the benefits of finding meaningful scripture verses that speak to you. Committing that verse to memory and using it as a sort of mantra to remind oneself of the God’s goodness and our strength through God brings comfort in times of stress. This focus allows one to find a way to keep the word of God ever present in our minds. He spoke of filling the crevices of our brains with these pieces of wisdom. Carrying God’s voice with us in this way acts as a means of coding our brains to respond to all situations from a perspective informed by the Gospel. The image that stuck with me the most was the healing balm of scripture.

This concept of a healing balm perhaps stood out to me the most because a workshop participant had burnt his foot with bacon grease. There was a discussion of what was the best response. Soaking in ice water was first. Then a conversation about an analgesic spray followed. A possible trip to the urgent care was considered. He used the analgesic spray and spoke with the online health care provider. While they examined next steps, that spray had acted as a healing balm to give him relief in the moment. It continued to act as a healing balm over the next days.

Scripture offers us a healing balm. It is not complicated to find a list of “greatest hits,” those verses that apply in certain circumstances that offer the reader the key to guide them through a difficult moment. Taking the time to read passages each day gives us the wisdom to know where we found the words that will help us. Asking a religious leader or spiritual director can also lead us to this wisdom. I know that I will look for that prescription for healing balm.

Blessed Angela: “God is close to those who call on Him.”