Posted by The WORD in other words (2009) by Fr. Raul Caga, SVD – Divine Word Seminary, Tagaytay City
Fr. Fernando Suarez dazzled the people with his healing power. Naturally he got the title of “healing priest” in the same manner as other priest are are given names like the “running priest” or “singing priest.” He healed a lot of people not only in the Philippines but also in North America, that is, the United States of America and Canada.
Last year, Filipinos in New Jersey are telling that Fr. Suarez was drawing also white, black and Hispanics to his healing masses. Yet many among them were non-Catholics : Protestants, Jews, and other religious affiliations. All they want is to be cured by this Catholic priest. It is admirable to know that during the healing, Fr Suarez attributed the healing not to himself but to Jesus Christ.
Here we have the healing ministry of Jesus continued by those to whom he has given the gift to cure those with infirmities. Our faith is strengthened, and the power of Jesus as the Lord of creation and salvation is proclaimed.
However, healing miracles can pose a danger by creating a miracle dependent psyche among the people. These healing miracles can be falsely identified as the ultimate test of a real faith and true religion. Here lies the danger of the notion which thinks that when there is no healing, faith in God is diminished and emptied of its essential meaning as an assent to the truths contained in biblical revelation and proposed by the Church. Faith becomes emotionally loaded and result-oriented which easily leads to disillusionment.
A relative of mine living New Jersey is a very respected man and well loved by Filipinos and his pastors because of his indefatigable service to his parish community. Early last year he was diagnosed with cancer and was told by the doctors that he have only six months to live. This big hearted old man does not seek any more physical healing because according to him he has lived well and long enough and is ready to meet His creator.
I believe, his decision shows his deep faith that trusts in the words of Jesus both in life and even in the face of death. Remember, Jesus, the healer who healed many and brought back to life a dead girl, did not spare himself from suffering and death on the cross.
