Summary
Highlights
Juan Manuel Cotelo, after a minor accident, reflects on the importance of hospitals and the medical staff. He then equates this experience to the Church, stating that Jesus is the doctor and the Church is the wonderful hospital he established to heal the wounds of our soul.
The Church, which began in Jerusalem, spread everywhere after Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to his apostles. The Holy Spirit is described as God's medicine, entering our souls to heal us. In this hospital, healing comes from God's action within us, not just our own efforts.
Anyone can join God's Church because His love is universal. The Church, therefore, is for everyone, and the 'medicines' God provides through the Church are for all His children. These medicines are the seven sacraments, with baptism being the first 'vaccine' received once in a lifetime, followed by other sacraments throughout life as needed.
While Jesus is the sole doctor in the Church, he works with a team. He appoints a captain to lead this team, known as the Pope. Saint Peter was the first Pope, and there have been many successors, including the current Pope Francis. It is important to pray for, listen to, and obey the Pope as he is appointed by Jesus. Criticizing the Pope divides the Church and hinders the Holy Spirit.
As members of this spiritual hospital, we should allow ourselves to be helped and also help others. This includes praying for the Pope and priests, thanking them for their service in providing spiritual medicine, and being apostles by spreading the good news that God is our Father, brother, friend, doctor, and medicine.