You may have heard the saying “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.” The same is true in our lives. Often people—our family, friends, co-workers, religious community—encourage, cajole, or implore us to encounter those parts of our self which need to be healed. In addition, they may encourage us to encounter Jesus and ask for help. But whether we accept Jesus’ healing is our own choice. Others can guide and encourage us, but healing only comes when we are willing to deepen our personal relationship with Jesus, ask for healing, and accept Jesus’ healing touch.
—John Moriconi, S.J. is a Jesuit brother who serves as provincial secretary for the Chicago-Detroit Jesuit province.