Miracle Healing in the Church

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Miracle Healing in the Church

In the New Testament, we see the Apostles demonstrating the power of prayer. Apostles such as Peter and Paul are able to heal the sick by praying over them. They also give anointings of oil to the sick. This is known as the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.

In the fourth century, church growth accelerated. The conversion of Constantine to Christianity in 312 brought toleration for the religion. This marked a transition from persecution to state sponsorship and the church grew from five to thirty million members. Yet many of the new converts were nominal Christians. They were attracted to the church by its gifts and higher status jobs, but were still more likely to practice pagan spells.

The miracles of Jesus are a testament to his divinity, and his compassion for humanity. He even acknowledges the miracles that took place outside of his ministry. In fact, he endorses one man in Matthew 9:38-41, who claims to cast out demons by the name of Beelzebul without following Jesus.

The sacraments of the church have a special healing power. In the Catechism, we learn that Jesus touched the sick during his ministry, and through the sacraments, he continues to heal us. The Eucharist, the bread that gives us eternal life, is a sign of Christ’s presence in our lives.