Thursday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

Our Lady of Lourdes

World Day of the Sick

Other saints: Saint Evagrius Ponticus (345-99); Saint Soteris, Martyr (304); Saint Caedmon (680); Pope Saint Gregory II (c. 699); Pope Saint Paschal I (824)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 9 The Number of Psalms at the Night Office

Mass: Gn 2:18-25; Resp Ps 128; Mk 7:24-30

Blessed are those who fear the Lord.

OUR LADY OF LOURDES,

MARY, HEALTH OF THE SICK,

PRAY FOR US.

Jesus has been busy this week tending the sick. It started last Sunday with Simon's mother-in-law who lay sick with a fever. The Divine Physician continued curing many who were sick with various diseases and those possessed by demons (Mk 1:30-34). Then we find folks scurrying about bringing the sick to Jesus. People begged Jesus that they might touch only the tassel of his cloak; and many who touched it were healed (Mk 6:55-56). Next Jesus addresses defilement from within such as greed, envy, and arrogance (Mk 7:15, 21-23). Today, on this World Day of the Sick, Jesus cares for the daughter of the Syrophoenician woman, the daughter with an unclean spirit. Tomorrow we will hear about a deaf man (Mk 7:32), then the hungry are with the Lord; Jesus' heart is moved with pity (Mk 8:2). Indeed, this is what Jesus comes for as He says clearly: Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners (Mk 2:17). Go to Jesus today, and take others with you in prayer. Ask for healing. Beg to touch only the tassel on His cloak. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone in good spirits? He should sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven.

(James 5:13-15)

JESUS PREACHED THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM AND CURED EVERY DISEASE AMONG THE PEOPLE.

(Gospel versicle, Mass, February 8, 2021)

On the World Day of the Sick ... that those who are sick, especially the chronically ill, may know healing, friendship, and strength.

(Magnificat, Prayer of the Faithful, February 7, 2021)

JOSEPH, HOPE OF THE SICK,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: What do you think of this one? It was a pleasant surprise.

© Gertrude Feick 2021