Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, "I do will it. Be made clean." – Luke 5:13
In December 2011, I had the privilege of interviewing people who were healed through natural and alternative healing methods. Many of them simply changed their eating habits — from an "eat anything" diet to a plant-based one.
One was a pancreatic cancer survivor who drinks guyabano tea as her water. Another one drinks pure, fresh calamansi extract every morning as his maintenance for a stronger immune system. From near-death, most of them are now enjoying their second lives.
But what I realized from their stories is that our health is in our hands — not in the doctors'.
We can choose to be healthy or unhealthy, depending on what we put into our bodies. And this is what I am guilty of. Although I try to eat less meat and more fish and fruits, I still do eat a lot of sweets and chips, and drink soda.
But as the Lord said to the leper in the Scripture passage today, "Be made clean," I believe that, with God's grace, I can make a turnaround.
So for this year, I promise to myself and to the Lord that I will nourish myself only with healthy food, not only physically but also spiritually, emotionally and mentally. -- Tess V. Atienza (svp_tvatienza@yahoo.com)
Reflection: What do you want to be healed of? Ask the Lord to heal you.
Lord, I present to You my unclean self. Make me clean again.
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This is a lesson for mommy, too. I need to strive and live a healthier lifestyle so that I can spend more years with you. I love you, kids!
