The Basis of the Healing Ministry

The author, Dr John Baptist Matovu, traces the basis of the ministry of healing in the Catholic and Islamic traditions, as represented by Richard McCormick and Falzur Rahman, respectively. Although there are areas of divergence between the two, both traditions present us with perspectives which are the basis of the ministry of healing. These perspectives place the judgments, decisions and actions, pertaining to the ministry of healing, within the context of the God-man/woman relationship. In both, the healing of man/woman should respect the totality of all his/her different dimensions, especially as one who originates from and returns to God. This God-man/woman relationship imparts upon man/woman a special dignity which must be respected and preserved in all medical decisions and actions, with regard to the preservation and improvement of his/her health.