(Optional) Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes
(Genesis 1:20-2:4a; Mark 7:1-13. Alternate readings for Our Lady of Lourdes:
Isaiah 66:10-14c; John 2:1-11)
The gospels are clear: Jesus cured people of illnesses. However, he probably did not heal all the sick
people who searched for him as some accounts indicate. Nor did he spend all his time healing but preached
and taught as well. It seems important
to say this lest people think that curing physical disease is what the Kingdom
of God is all about.
Although most pilgrims go to Lourdes looking for physical healing,
only a small are granted this desire. Yet nearly everyone, it seems, returns home
satisfied. They experience in the confluence
of people from around the world in this village of southern France a unity of
faith and goodwill that uplifts the soul.
One mother explained after taking her son with cancer there, that he was
healed in the sense that he could now accept death with peace.
There is nothing
wrong with praying for healing. Such
prayer demonstrates a faith in God’s domination of the power of evil. At the same time, we should realize that God
heals in different ways. To some He will
grant the grace of reconciliation with foes so that they may live in greater,
life-giving love.
