Jesus Plays an April Fools

Short Summary: Julia, a bedridden teenager, humorously prayed for healing during Eucharist Adoration, then stood up and walked home after her mother jokingly told her to “take up your mat and walk,” later founding a program for dancers with disabilities.

Details

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Year: 2017

Prayer: Prayer of St. Ignatius: Take, Lord, receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, my whole will, all that I have and all that I possess. You gave it all to me, Lord; I give it all back to you. Do with it as you will, according to your good pleasure. Give me your love and your grace; for with this I have all that I need. Amen.

Verse: Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. -Is 40:31

Full Story

Julia was a teenager suffering from Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a disorder of the nervous system that severely affected her ability to stand or sit upright for long periods. Her condition gradually worsened over the years, progressing from using a walker to requiring a wheelchair, and eventually leaving her bedridden. Julia’s health deteriorated to the point where she needed in-home nursing care, including IV fluids, to manage her symptoms. She was brought to Eucharist Adoration on April 1st, where she laid on a floor mat. In prayer, she asked Jesus for a dramatic healing as an April Fools prank. Then her mom whispered to her as a joke, “Take up your mat and walk.” And so she did! Her family watched on as she walked all the way home, a distance of several blocks. They followed in amazement. Julia’s sudden recovery astonished her doctors and therapists, as POTS is a chronic illness with no known cure. Reflecting on her experience, Julia said, “Miracles aren’t restricted to biblical times.” Julia went on to start a program for dancers with disabilities.

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