Introduction

Leader: World Day of the Healing is a day in which we give thanks and recognition to those in our health care ministry, reflect on the Church's teaching on health care, and pray for those who are sick. As we begin our prayer, let us take a moment of silence and remember that we are in the presence of a good and gracious God (pause). And now let us pray together…

Opening Prayer

ALL:  Merciful God, Heart of Compassion and Source of Life, hear our prayers for those who are sick and suffering in all parts of the world. Help us to reach beyond ourselves to be truly attentive to the needs of the individuals and communities we serve through our coordinated ministries. Help us be creative and bold in finding new ways to alleviate suffering in our world, inspired by a spirit of innovation and a legacy of care. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.

Reading - Luke 10:25-37

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" "What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?" He answered, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" "You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live." But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.' "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."

Reflection Questions

How does the parable of the Good Samaritan relate to my role in Catholic Health Initiatives? How do I respond to Jesus' exhortation to "Go and do likewise" today?

Response Isaiah 58:6-11

Side 1: Is this not the fast that I choose: to loosen the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and break every yoke?

Side 2:  Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house.
When you see the naked, to cover them; and not to hide yourself from your own kin?
Side 1: Then your light will break out like the dawn, and your healing will speedily spring forth; and your righteousness will go before you; the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.

Side 2:  Then you will call, and the Lord will answer. You will cry, and He will say, "Here I am."
Side 1:  If you remove the yoke from among you, the pointing of the finger and speaking wickedness; and if you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light will rise in darkness and your gloom will become like midday.
Side 2: And the Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your desire in scorched places, and give strength to your bones; and you will be like a watered garden, like a spring of water whose waters do not fail.

Prayers of Petition and Thanksgiving

Leader: Please respond to each petition, "Lord, hear our prayer." Tender, compassionate God, we  turn to You to receive our prayers for those who are in need of Your mercy and healing, we pray …

Leader:  For those who suffer from illnesses, injuries and addictions, we pray …

Leader:  For those with mental illnesses and failing memories, especially for those who are homeless, we pray ...

Leader:  For those who are called to care for the sick, we pray ...

Leader:  For those who are near death in our hospitals and long-term care facilities, we pray ...

Please share petitions of your own.

Leader:  Life-giving God, hear our prayers, those that we have spoken and those that remain in our hearts. We trust in your loving response through Christ our Lord.
All:  Amen.

Closing Prayer

All:   Jesus Christ, source of hope and healing, we hold up to You the sick of our world. We ask You to bless and heal all who suffer. Touch our hearts and our consciences to see these sufferings as our own, mysteriously united as we are to each other and to You through the power of the Holy Spirit. Help us to believe that each act of healing we do, no matter how small, reaches out to heal the wounds of our world. Bless us, and the healing ministry we share in Catholic health care. In Your Holy Name we pray. Amen.