Jesus called the Twelve to him, and sent them out in pairs. He gave them authority and power to deal with evil opposition … Then they were on the road. They preached with joyful urgency that life can be radically different; right and left they sent the demons packing; they brought wellness to the sick, anointing their bodies, healing their spirits. (Mark 6: 7 – 8, 12 – 13)

Thankfully, I’ve never been seriously sick or injured. I haven’t needed anyone to tend to me physically since I got my wisdom teeth out as a teenager. Which is a good thing since I have an irrational phobia about going to the doctor. Even something as little as getting a shot makes me nervous.

So I was pretty anxious about getting the COVID vaccine. Regardless, I of course signed up to get it as soon as I was eligible. I was overwhelmed with relief when I learned my friend Jane would be volunteering at the clinic I was going to. She texted me with reassurances all morning until I got there, and when I arrived, everyone who ushered me through the process was just so kind. The woman who gave me the shot had me breath slowly with her for a few minutes beforehand to relax me. I think I exhaled a whole year’s worth of fear while looking into her caring face.

All those healings Jesus performed, and his disciples after him – if had always seemed to  me that there was an inordinate emphasis on them. But I get it now, what a miracle of love it is to make someone – body and mind – healthy and safe.