The Power of Love

Psalm 117, 118 • Psalm 112, 113
Isa. 59:15-21 • Rev. 2:8-17 • John 4:46-54

We are in the season of Epiphany, starting two days ago. My son Noah is an Epiphany baby, born January 6. Even though I was still in the secular phase of my life when he was born, I knew I was in the presence of a miracle. Of course, any birth, and any newborn, is a miracle of cosmic design, physiology, and (we hope) love. I was gripped by a love I’d never known before, the kind of love that says I would give my life for him.

I am grateful that my son has not been seriously ill. I can only imagine the pain and fear in the heart of the royal official whose son was ill, the topic of today’s gospel reading. He was desperate to find a way to keep his son from dying. Apparently, the medical establishment of first century Israel had not been able to help. The official’s love for his son led him to step out of his comfort zone, to seek out a Jewish teacher that he had heard about. Just like today, when traditional medicine can’t help, people turn to alternative therapies and alternative healers, anybody who might help whether they have credentials or not.

Perhaps Jesus was frustrated that people would not pay attention to his message about the healing power of love and compassion unless he also performed “signs and wonders.” Nevertheless, Jesus said to the officer, “Go; your son will live.” The official found out that his son’s fever left at that same hour. And the official and his whole household believed. All this because one man’s love for his son led him to reach out and ask for healing, and another man’s love for humanity led to healing and transformation.

Written by Cathy Campbell

Cathy is a semi-retired professional counselor and Healing Touch Practitioner. She advocates for marginalized groups, especially LGBTQ people.