In today’s gospel we read: “Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.” (John 16:23). It seemed like a “blank check” for our prayers and the intercession of Jesus. What is the context, what are the limits, and are there any caveats? Continue reading
This coming Sunday in the Solemnity of the Ascension taken from the Gospel of Mark. It is verse 18 that gives modern day Christians pause – not the second half: “They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover” Disciples healed in the course of their evangelism. First, Peter and John healed a lame beggar (Acts 3:1–10). Soon after, the Holy Spirit became so present that apparently even people who crossed Peter’s shadow were healed (Acts 5:12–16). Later, the Holy Spirit validated Paul’s ministry by healing those who touched an apron or handkerchief that Paul had touched (Acts 19:11–12). Continue reading
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