February 5, 2025 On February 11, the Church marks the 33rd World Day of the Sick. On that day, we celebrate the liturgical Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes. In his message for the day, Pope Francis reminds us that “Hope does not disappoint” (Rom.5:5) but strengthens us in times of trial. The Holy Father tells us that God remains close to those who are suffering. When Jesus sent the 72 disciples out on mission, He told them to proclaim to the sick: “The Kingdom of God has come near to you” (Lk. 10:9). In other words, Jesus asks His disciples to help the sick to see their infirmity, however painful it may be, as an opportunity to meet Christ. In such circumstances of human frailty, we can encounter the Lord who, in Jesus, shared in our human suffering. God does not abandon us and even sometimes amazes us by granting us a strength that we never expected and would never have found on our own. During this Jubilee Year of Hope, we are all invited to be attentive to the hints of hope in our midst, strengthening our resolve to be pilgrims of hope. We are blessed to have so many of the faithful who minister to the sick in our parishes. What a powerful sign of hope! The homebound, the hospitalized and those who reside in nursing homes, all those seeking wholeness of mind, body and spirit find comfort and hope through the visits we make and the care we give. Our Lord is especially close to loved ones whose hearts are breaking as they care for spouses, parents, and children who suffer debilitating diseases. Sometimes we feel so helpless, even discouraged, in the face of their failing health. We pray that Jesus’ words to the 72 disciples find a home in our hearts and be a cause for hope, even peace and joy, because we know Jesus is with them. I hope to celebrate Mass in our many nursing homes in the North Country during this Jubilee Year of Hope. It is important that those who struggle with ill health hear the Good News and be nourished with the Bread from Heaven, food for the journey. Through the maternal intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes, let’s set aside some time to reflect on these hope-filled words of St. Peter: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith, to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time. In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold…even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1Peter 1:3-7) I wonder, have I found “living” hope in Jesus? Can anyone tell?
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