What I Found in Merton's The Seven Story Mountain
Lay Your Healing Hands on Me
Photo By: Image by Gaertringen from Pixabay
Lately, I have been yearning for healing. Healing words. Healing touch. Healing sacraments. Healing prayers. Healing relationships.
I can't tell you how many times I've heard the Lord whisper in my ear: You are sick.
So I recently went on a healing retreat as a step towards it, and during the retreat, someone held my hand in prayer. It was so beautiful, and it made me realize just how much a healing hand is needed in the healing process. There's something healing about skin on skin.
In fact, the most consoling part of the retreat was the touch of others -- which made me think and wonder how very starved I am of that, and is that the key to healing?
Also, during the retreat, the priest giving it spoke of the power of sharing your story and your secrets of shame with someone who loves you and with God -- a key and essential step of the healing process.
In my case, I don't know who that person would be, but I pray that they come into my life if they aren't already there, and I pray that their love is revealed to me so I know they love and care for me. It is very hard to know who truly loves you, who your secrets are safe with, and who won't harm you or add to your distress.
May we all find the healing hands, hearts, and ears that we need to find healing in our lives.
About the Author
Katie Zalany lives in Cleveland Ohio. She is a Third Order Secular Franciscan (OFS), spiritual director, benefits/wellness leader, and certified health and life coach. She volunteers with St. Vincent de Paul Society serving the poor, is an active mentor to many individuals, and a prolific writer. Her writing interests and focus areas include spiritual development, reflections on the Gospel life, Franciscian spirituality, prayer, and integration of faith and work/daily living. She is the published author of Called to Corporate: Lessons of Growing in Faith and Holiness from the Corporate Cubicle.
