“Peter went here and there among the believers. He came to Aeneas who had been bedridden for eight years. Peter said to him, ‘Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you” (Acts 9:32-34).

Centuries ago, every culture and community had three types of leaders. There was always someone regarded as a the head of the community (king, prince, president). There were also holy men (priests). Also, there were healers (sometimes called shamans or doctors). In certain times and places, all three were combined in one individual.

The healing ministry of the church often has been neglected, however, in our time. Often we have relegated the healing ministry to TV showmen, but perhaps we have misinterpreted the simple forms of healing that can come from expressions of love, support and a reminder of the generosity of God. When Peter visited Aeneas, he simply reminded this man that he was loved. His eight-year infirmity (perhaps riddled with depression and hopelessness) faded away in the light of Christ’s greater love. Sometimes healing takes a long time, as this story attests.

In our respective ministries we can recover the ministry of healing by reminding people of this simple hope we have in Christ. Our words can lift, our hands can bring solidarity to those who are isolated and afraid. This can happen in youth groups, too—when teenagers genuinely care for each other and offer words of solace, support and comfort.

Many teenagers today, in fact, suffer from severe forms of isolationism and loneliness. Many are longing for friendship, for someone to come their way, to enter into their world of isolation.

In your next youth meeting, take some time to discuss the implications of what healing can mean for your teens. There is a ministry there, and often our loving response can play a large role in bringing balance and hope to other troubled lives.