James wrote of the power of communal prayer for healing. The prayers of others give hope. Today we have the Sacrament of the Sick. The priest prays and anoints the sick with oil in the presence of those close to them. The healing is not only physical, but spiritual as well. Prayer is powerful. James used Elijah as an example; if Elijah was "like us" and could pray effectively, then we can do the same. James encouraged the people to confess their sins to each other and pray for each other. That takes great trust and courage, but healing can result.

The reading from Mark also involves the healing power of touch. Jesus loved the children and was inundated with people who wanted him to touch their children. The disciples wanted to protect Jesus, so they were turning the children away. But Jesus wanted them to come to him because, as Jesus said, "the kingdom of God belongs" to the children. Children look at the world with wonder and awe but sometimes the busyness of life deprives adults of this ability. Jesus said that we need to receive the kingdom of God as children do - wholeheartedly with wonder and awe. Jesus wants to take us in his arms and bless us as he did the little children that day!