Parish Bulletin Article: "The Healer": 2-5-17

            God has given each of us a body, a mind and a soul.  Through his providence he has given great gifts to us. 

            For instance: who can help your body?  Well, doctors, surgeons, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, etc.  We have tremendous medical science to serve our body.

            Or what about our soul?  Of course, Jesus Christ is the best “doctor” for our spiritual lives.  We can also be walked with a spiritual director, or continue to grow through Mass, confession, adoration, prayer, etc..

            And then our mind…

This weekend I would like to address some thoughts about our brains (no pun intended).  As I am not a doctor, I offer some experiences I have had in my own life.

            Let’s begin with winter.  Yes, winter can be challenging for our own mind and moods.  Sometimes it’s so cold that the temperature feels the same: freezing!  I have found exercising (outside or inside) as #1 for me.  Working out releases stress, encourages our muscles, and supports mental health.  I also use Vitamin D and hot liquids to feel happy.

            In a deeper level, what about mental illness?  Depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, bipolar, schizophrenic or other maladies can be supported through several ways.  Personally, my parents, my family, my friends, my spiritual director, my counselor, my psychologist, my doctors and medicine have assisted my mind.  And I praise God for His gifts.

            I also believe that “mental illness” does not make anyone weak, bad or crazy.  Actually, I imagine “mental illness” through a normal person who is carrying a challenge.  And yes, every human person has many different challenges during life!

            Finally, I always believe to bring tough stuff into the light of Jesus Christ, whether body, mind or soul.  What ever rough experiences you may face, continue to use the gifts that God has given us.  And I hope that you can always use your pastor to serve you.  I pray that my personal experiences, my mission and my call to priesthood to serve you.

Let our family continue to walk together!

God Bless!