World Day of the Sick

Today, the Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes, is also the 20th World Day of the Sick during which we are fittingly asked to pray for healing of the sick around the world, for Mary has acknowledged their needs by the many cures of incurable illnesses at the Grotto of Massabielle since her first apparitions in 1858. Daily, and especially today, thousands of pilgrims and malades will spend the day their in prayer at the Grotto, in the baths, and at the solemn procession of the Blessed Sacrament in the evening. The hopes and prayers for cures continue; the Knights of Malta provide pilgrimages with chartered planes full of malades and their accompanying Knights or Dames of Malta. Most often, the physical cures do not happen, but all speak of a spiritual healing from the Lourdes experience. Having been there myself for four days simply to BE, and witness the faith of the pilgrims, I can vouch for the validity of spiritual healing.
There is not one of us who does not know or know of someone battling cancer, diabetes, heart disease or other serious illnesses. Colds, bronchitis, and flu, touch all of us, and seem more rampant in this mild, snowless winter. So, praying for the sick is not only a good thing, it is a necessary thing, for along with the physical effects of illness, go the psychological and spiritual effects: depression, questioning, doubt. Doctors are beginning to acknowledge the healing aspects of faith in their patients. For those whose faith is strong, come an endurance, acceptance, and even joy along with their suffering. Many unite their pain with the agony of Jesus in the Passion and find strength to bear their burden: "If he could do it, so can I."
Lord, if it be your will, please bring healing of body and soul to all the ill, especially N... through the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes and Our Lady Help of the Sick, Amen.
Bro. Rene