SICKNESS/SIN AS WELL AS PHYSICIANS/PRIESTS:

“My child, when you are ill, do not rebel but pray to the Lord and he will heal you. Renounce your faults, keep your hands unsoiled and cleanse your heart from all sin. Offer incense and a memorial of fine flour, make as rich an offering as you can afford. Then let the doctor take over—the Lord created him too – do not let him leave you, for you need him. There are times when good health depends on doctors. For they, in turn will pray the Lord to grant them grace to relieve and to heal and so prolong your life. Whoever sins in the eyes of his Maker, let such a one come under the care of the doctor!” (Sirach 38:9-15)

Hence sickness directly or indirectly relates to sin thus renouncing sin [‘My child, have you sinned?...’ Sirach 21:1a] and removing the books/clothes/videos/pictures/relationships/engagements/jobs/dressings/attitudes that promotes sin in us or others {“…do so no more…” Sirach 21:1b} then completing the reconciliation with God through the sacrament of penance {‘…and ask forgiveness for your previous faults’ Sirach 21:1c} through a legally ordained catholic priest (Apostolic succession ‘out of the men who have been with us the whole time that the Lord Jesus was living with us’ Acts 1:21; “you are built upon the foundations of the apostles and prophets and Christ Jesus himself is the cornerstone” Eph.2:20; ‘after saying this he breathed on them and said: Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven; if you retain anyone’s sins, they are retained’ Jn.20:22-23) is a major step towards healing both body and soul because He the Lord heals them both thus “He forgives all your offences, cures all your diseases” {Ps.103:3}. The incense is used for the highest ritual prayer (THE HOLY MASS) which is offered in thanksgiving to God and forgiveness of sins of all in attendance, the living and the dead {‘for had he not expected the fallen to rise again, it would have been superfluous and foolish to pray for the dead, whereas if he had in view the splendid recompense reserved for those who make a pious end, the thought was holy and devout. Hence, he had this expiatory sacrifice offered for the dead, so that they might be released from their sin’ 2 Macc.12:44-45}  and “every high priest is taken from among human beings and is appointed to act on their behalf in relationships with God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins” (Heb.5:1). Never neglect a medical doctor when sick because God made them to mix drugs and administer them in the His name and He will grant healing {‘he has also given some people knowledge, so that they may draw credit from his mighty works’ Sirach 38:6}