They effectively wait for God to relieve them from their suffering, but at the same time seem to dread being healed. In the end, most people are frightened of healing, although they are not aware of this. We are not saying here that those who are ill would no longer be so, should they really want to be healed, or should they let Christ heal them. The whole mystery of suffering, with its long line of illnesses and handicaps, injustices and hardships will exist until the end of time. The mystery of suffering is worthy of deep respect although everything must be tried to have suffering eased or resolved wherever it exists, in respect for human dignity.
Science has an enormous contribution to give here.
This fear, whether strong or not, merely by its presence, risks working against the grace of healing entering a person's life. Paradoxically, it is true that an illness or infirmity can unintentionally be lived out as a sort of security by whoever has it. Hence, the unique fear of losing this false security. It is in the face of this fear that we are given the opportunity to best understand the gift of faith-why it appears and it is needed. Often, before praying, when the people who are seriously ill are asked whether they really desire to be healed by Jesus, there is some hesitation.