Did you know that you are a “healer?” Your ears have astounding power to heal! Listening with empathy is perhaps the single most powerful balm for people suffering emotional pain.

Consider the story of  Sweeney- King of the D/alnAraide wounded at the battle of Mag Rath (AD 637), cursed by the prophet Ronan, and destined to live wild in the forest.

There was once a king who name was Sweeney. He was healed of mental illness by a hermit who lived near a Hawthorn tree. The hermit’s name was Mullin. This is how it happened:

King Sweeney was called a “madman” in all his dealings with people. He ignored his wife and family. He harangued his pastor. He disputed unreasonably with everyone. And he gleefully led his soldiers in constant warfare.

Everyone in their hearts muttered curses on the troubled king; no one wanted to truly listen to him. His household and his kingdom ached with pain and suffering.

Following one bloody battle, the prophet Ronan shouted a curse on Sweeney:

“May you spread wings and become a bird wandering from tree to tree without a home. You have brought no peace to your people or your family’s home, and now you will have no peace until the day of your forgiveness and healing.

And with that king Sweeney raised his hands to strike Ronan, but his arms turned into wings. He flapped they, and lifted high in the air. His human words of anger and cursing turned into a shrieking and cawing worse than a crow’s. He flew upwards towards the clouds.

Return next time to follow the tortuous journey of king Sweeney.