As human beings, we will fall ill at one time or another.
Whether it is aches or pains, or some kind of serious illness that requires a person to be hospitalized or bed-ridden, we will be drained and burdened by it.
In the face of illnesses and sickness, we might also wonder why can’t we just be healthy and live life happily.
Of course, we may say that the causes of illnesses and sicknesses are due to many factors.
But we also need to look at the state of our own physical immunity system.
And we can say that to be healthy is to be happy, as well as vice-versa.
And the 1st reading tells us how to be healthy and happy.
When we let ourselves be directed by the Holy Spirit, we will have love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, gentleness and self-control.
And when we crucify all self-indulgent passions and desires, we will be able to follow the promptings and directions of the Holy Spirit.
Physical health and spiritual health go hand in hand.
When we are physically and spiritually healthy, and living our lives in the Spirit, then we are proclaiming the Good News of salvation.