Dear Catholic Exchange:
If a person is living in mortal sin, i.e., living with her boyfriend, will a prayer for healing be efficacious? I believe one must sincerely repent of one’s sins before God will cure that person—if it’s even His will to cure him. Didn’t our Lady of Fatima say to some of the crowd that they must amend their lives before God would answer their prayers?
Thank you!
Mary Siemers
Dear Mary,
Peace in Christ!
The disposition of the person in prayer is significant. The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us “If our heart is far from God, the words of prayer are in vain” (no. 2562). This speaks, however, of our disposition toward God, not His disposition toward us. Healing is a gift from God. God does not necessarily dispense gifts on the basis of a person’s spiritual life and maturity, method of worship, or goodness. Mortal sin does separate us from God, but that does not mean that He stops loving us or refuses us aid. Our sin does not bar God from acting in our lives or answering earnest prayers. God grants gifts, healing, and other favors according to His infinite wisdom, not our limited human understanding.
During his public ministry Jesus healed many people. The healing was based on faith and a relationship with Jesus, not the life of the person up to that point. It may be helpful for you to read a number of these accounts: in particular, Luke 5:12-14; 7:36-50; Matthew 8:5-13; 9; John 4:7-26; and 9:1-8.
For discussion on the nature and effects of mortal sin, please see our FAITH FACT Persevering to the End: The Biblical Reality of Moral Sin.
If you have further questions on this or would like more information about Catholics United for the Faith, please contact us at 1-800-MY-FAITH (693-2484). Please keep us in your prayers as we endeavor to “support, defend, and advance the efforts of the teaching Church.”
United in the Faith,
Amy Barragree
Information Specialist
Catholics United for the Faith
827 North Fourth Street
Steubenville, OH 43952
800-MY-FAITH (800-693-2484)
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