Today, St. Blaise, Bishop and Martyr, our attention is called to "diseases of the throat and all other diseases" (Prayer of throat blessing). Candles in the form of an X are placed around the throat, as we know. But did we know that St. Blaise was a philosopher and a physician before being ordained a priest and later a bishop? A well educated man, he was extremely pastoral, steadfastly adhered to the faith and was beheaded for it. His popularity increased over the years and his blessing is also invoked for animals.
Even today scientists are researching the relationship of faith to healing and are discovering what to some is so obvious that it doesn't need research, that there is definitely a corrolation between faith and healing. Todays sacramental blessing, using yesterday's newly blessed candles, affirms that relationship. Some parishes are offering the blessing over the weekend in addition to today because of the rampant presence of "a bad cold that won't go away" or actual bronchitis with it's deep, dry and seemingly everlasting cough. May our faith help bring the healing we seek.
Bro. Rene
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