Special to The Message
Every Thursday, Annunciation Parish offers an Inner Healing Mass at 5:30 p.m. CST at Christ the King Church, located at 3010 E. Chandler Ave., Evansville. All are welcome to the service. Below is more information about the Inner Healing Mass.
Our lives are a mashup of sorrow and joy, confusion and clarity. The Lord offers us inner healing to bring the human person into union with him. Jesus Christ reaches out to soothe his disciples, “Come to me, all you who are weary and overburdened, and I will give you rest.” As we choose the path of faith, the Catholic Church offers opportunities for persons to heal from the inside —out. The Mass of Inner Healing helps mend your pain and suffering: mental, emotional, spiritual and physical. Firmly grasping the love and peace of Jesus is a significant factor in your healing.
Inner healing is a spiritual renewal addressing the wounds of the heart and soul. These wounds may stem from too many sources to list here, but commonly, people speak of childhood trauma, broken relationships, personal failures or long-held grudges. Other needs the Mass addresses are the psychological effects of illness, grief, life transitions, fallen-away spouses, children, grandchildren and those who petition the Lord for those they love. Emotional and spiritual wounds are often hidden, eventually affecting overall well-being and the right relationship with God.
The Inner Healing Mass provides a sacred space to bring these hidden wounds to the forefront, seeking God’s mercy and healing. It is an invitation to allow Christ to heal wounds and begin the road to recovery. It must be said some participants have also given testimony to physical healing. No one understands God’s will for the individual, but bringing your wounds before the Blessed Sacrament and praying with the priest is a clarifying moment.
The Inner Healing Mass incorporates several key elements designed to facilitate healing:
- Opportunity for Reconciliation: Confession is a tangible way to unburden sin, shame and guilt, paving the way for inner peace and healing. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available every Thursday from 4:30-5:30 p.m. before the Healing Mass.
- Eucharistic Adoration: The True Presence of Christ in the Eucharist is central to the healing process. Adoration allows the faithful to spend time in Jesus’ presence, opening their hearts to his healing mercy. The Blessed Sacrament is exposed from 4:30-5:15 p.m. and again after Mass during the healing ritual.
- Scripture Readings and Homily: The chosen readings and the homily focus on themes of healing, forgiveness and God’s mercy and unconditional love. The homily unpacks Sacred Scripture to lead the faithful towards healing.
- Anointing and Prayer: After Mass dismissal, the priest prays over people who request the laying on of hands and anointing with holy oil in the True Presence of Christ. Benediction and blessing complete the service. Many come to support those they love.
Benefits of the Inner Healing Mass:
- Emotional and Spiritual Renewal: By confronting and addressing inner wounds, we experience a renewed sense of peace and emotional well-being. This leads the willing toward a more profound spiritual life and a closer relationship with God.
- Forgiveness and Freedom: The Inner Healing Mass provides a powerful opportunity for forgiveness — both in giving and receiving. Forgiveness breaks the chains of resentment and anger, leading the faithful to true freedom.
- Encountering God’s Love: The core of the Inner Healing Mass is an encounter with God’s unconditional love, which strengthens us and helps us move forward in hope and faith.
The Psalmist writes, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” This healing liturgy is a testament to God’s desire for his children to be whole and healed. By participating, the faithful open themselves to the transformative power of God’s love and mercy. Whether burdened by past hurts, seeking forgiveness or simply desiring a deeper connection with God, we need Jesus. Attending the Inner Healing Mass is a pivotal step on the path to spiritual and emotional renewal.