Wednesday 11 February is the memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes. It has also been designated as World Day of the Sick. World Day of the Sick was established in 1992 by Pope St. John Paul II. It is a day to remember those who are most in need of God’s healing as well as in need of our compassion and the strength and encouragement of our intercessory prayers for them. It is a day to remember the importance of providing tangible witness to our love for the infirm through works of mercy.
Pope Leo, in his message promoting the World Day of the Sick, referenced the parable of the Good Samaritan. Pope Leo closes his message with the following remarks.
Dear brothers and sisters, “the true remedy for humanity’s wounds is a style of life based on fraternal love, which has its root in love of God.” I genuinely hope that our Christian lifestyle will always reflect this fraternal, “Samaritan” spirit – one that is welcoming, courageous, committed and supportive, rooted in our union with God and our faith in Jesus Christ. Enkindled by this divine love, we will surely be able to give of ourselves for the good of all who suffer, especially our brothers and sisters who are sick, elderly or afflicted.
Let us raise our prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Health of the Sick, asking her to assist all who suffer and are in need of compassion, consolation and a listening ear. Let us seek her intercession with this ancient prayer, that has been invoked in families for those living with illness and pain:
Sweet Mother, do not part from me. Turn not your eyes away from me. Walk with me at every moment and never leave me alone. You who always protect me as a true Mother, obtain for me the blessing of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
I cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing to all who are sick, to their families and to those who care for them – healthcare workers and pastoral workers alike – and in a special way to all participating in this World Day of the Sick.
Thank you for your prayers for those who are seeking God’s healing and strength of grace. Please pray also for healthcare providers, especially for those here in Delco who continue to provide healing hands in the aftermath of the closure of the Crozer Healthcare System.
Saturday 14 February is Valentine’s Day. Blessings to all our couples and may God continue to strengthen the beauty of the inseparable love of your covenant as you provide witness of the unconditional love of our Creator.
Almighty and eternal God, you have so exalted the unbreakable bond of marriage that it has become the sacramental sign of your Son’s union with the Church as his spouse. Look with favor on the couples, whom you have united in marriage, as they ask for your help and the protection of the Virgin Mary. They pray that in good times and in bad they will grow in love for each other; that they will resolve to be of one heart in the bond of peace. Lord, in their struggles let them rejoice that you are near to help them; in their needs let them know that you are there to rescue them; in their joys let them see that you are the source and completion of every happiness. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Mass Readings and reflection questions– 5th Ordinary Sunday – Cycle A / 8 February
Isaiah 58:7-10 – What are the Corporal Works of Mercy? How well are you practicing them? / Who are “your own”? Are they more likely to see your face or your back? / What are your wounds? How quickly are they healing? What is preventing them from healing? / What is your relationship with the Eighth Commandment? (See Catechism paragraphs 2464-2513). / This reading begins with sharing bread, and it closes with bestowing bread. What is the difference?
Responsorial Psalm 112:4-5, 6-7, 8-9 – R. The just man is a light in darkness to the upright. – How firm is your heart? Is your horn exalted? / This psalm provides a vivid picture of steadfastness. How would you describe steadfastness? Are you steadfast? What do you need from God to be steadfast?
1st Corinthians 2:1-5 – When assembling something, do you read the instructions or examine the diagram? / St. Paul visited Corinth after Athens. In Athens he engaged in debates about the faith. In Corinth, Paul demonstrated the faith. Which style is more effective for you? Which style do you need at this moment?
Matthew 5:13-16 – How can you help season the faith for those whose faith has lost its taste? Does your faith require a visit to the spice rack? / Where are you placing your light? What is its current wattage?