Feb. 11 is the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and has also been designated World Day of the Sick and World Marriage Day. This year, it is also the sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time and the last Sunday before we begin Lent.
Today’s readings talk about healing from leprosy. In the ancient world (and even until the early 20th century), leprosy was considered a highly contagious and incurable disease. Those affected by the disease were ostracized from their families and communities and were forced to live with others who were similarly affected. When Jesus heals the leper, he is restored to the community. When we are ill, we are often separated from the community. Healing or curing also restores and reinvigorates us.
Saint John Paul II established the World Day of the Sick to remind us of the value of those who are suffering. While sickness alienates, it can also unite people in prayer and solidarity. Those who are healthy should remember those who are not, commend them to the mercy of God, and become agents of caring.
In much the same way, World Marriage Day reminds us of the ministry of marriage. Couples minister to each other. They mutually support and feed one another. They build one another up and challenge one another to be better. As the marriage vows state, couples are to love one another “in sickness and in health.” I see this time and time again, especially when one spouse contracts a debilitating disease, such as cancer or dementia. The other steps up to support and care for the one who is suffering. The disease becomes a catalyst for increased love and affection, sometimes to the disbelief of others.
As we conclude Winter Ordinary Time this week, reflect on how you can be an agent of healing.
This Wednesday, Feb. 14, is both SS. Cyril and Methodius Day and St. Valentine’s Day, as well as Ash Wednesday, a day of fasting and abstinence: no meat, three small meals (or one larger meal and two very small meals), and no snacking between meals. Also, the Fridays of Lent are meatless. All Catholics should abstain from meat, and those who are able (i.e., not impeded by a medical condition) should maintain the regimen of the fast.
Please join us on Ash Wednesday. We will have Masses with the distribution of ashes at 8:30 AM, 12 PM, 5 PM, and 7 PM. This year, I challenge you to invite a friend or family member who may have fallen away from the faith to experience Lent’s beauty and how we celebrate it here at St. Therese.
On the Fridays of Lent, the Knights of Columbus will host their Fish Fry Dinners from 4 to 7 PM. We will also have Stations of the Cross at 7 PM.
Please see the bulletin and website for more Lenten activities in our Family of Parishes.
