Readings
I - Gen. 3: 9-24
II - Mk. 8: 1-10
OUR LADY OF LOURDES
Today the Church celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. The apparition at Lourdes, France took place in 1858, after the declaration of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mother Mary. The little girl Bernadette Sourbiroux was told to ask the name of the Lady who appeared to her and the Lady responded saying, “I am the Immaculate Conception”. The apparition indeed was an affirmation on the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Mother, ever virgin. Mother Mary had appeared eighteen times to this little girl insisting on, “Pray to God for the conversion of sinners.” On this day, resolve to amend your ways that do not align with that of God and pray for those who are far away from the love of God. Pray through the intercession of Mother Mary that they may realise and return to him.
This day is celebrated as the World Day of the Sick. St. Pope John Paul II declared this day as the ‘World Day of the Sick’, that serves as a purpose of reminding the healing ministry of the Church. The day is also dedicated to gratefully remember all who strive to restore the health of the sick: the doctors, nurses, care takers, health workers… Today’s Gospel passage is about the multiplication of loaves. Jesus multiplies out of his compassion for the crowd and the multiplication happens with what was offered to him. To the Lord of Compassion offer little sacrifices and acts of charity pleading for the healing of our suffering brethren of all kind to be healed and comforted. As we are celebrating the ‘World Day of the Sick’ let us bring all our sick brethren through the intercession our Blessed Mother, Our Lady of Lourdes, unto the compassion and mercy for God for their comfort, healing and restoration. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Mother Mary, Our Lady of Lourdes, Pray for us”.
