In my parish, we recently celebrated the service of unction. This service is a sacrament of healing.

 Though this service can be celebrated at any time during the year—after all, people usually don’t schedule their illnesses—In Greek practice, it’s usually celebrated on Holy Wednesday.

 However, that didn’t happen this year, because, at that time, we were only allowed 4 people in church. 
Now, though, we have procedures in place to protect people, so we thought it would be nice to celebrate this service as approach Christmas. After all, COVID is still ravaging people’s lives all over the world.

 I can think of no better way to prepare for Christ’s nativity than to ask God for healing.

 And, you know what? That’s exactly what we see in this past Sunday’s Gospel reading: Jesus healing. 

But, when he heals the crippled woman, he does more than heal her disease. He also heals her illness.