Icon of the Theotokos “the Healer” – T48

Description

 As any good doctor would direct us in applying the right medicine, the “Birth-Giver of God” (in Greek “Theotokos”) directs  us to her Son and God, the true Physician of our hearts and our souls.  Often people wonder just what the message of the Virgin is to us and to the Church.  Actually it is very simple: first of all, look at Whom I am carrying in my arms, for He is our Life, our Saviour,  and our Hope; and second, as she said to those at the wedding in Cana of Galilee, “whatsoever He saith unto you, do it.” (John 2:5)  The Virgin Mary’s whole life is dedicated to serving God and ministering to His Son, and after His repose to visiting the Holy Places associated with His life and nourishing the Apostles’ spirits. 

 Taken up bodily into Heaven by Christ after she had died a mortal death as a pledge of the Resurrection of all on the Last Day, she is a great intercessor and a profound revelation as an icon of her Son, Who shines forth in her even today.  We are all meant to be illumined icons of Christ, for we were made in His Image and Likeness, but we often don’t see this exalted ideal reached by continuous humility.  God give us the strength to act accordingly!