May the Lord grant you peace, grace, and health in the Holy Spirit.
It is 11th February 2022. We celebrate the memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes. It is the day we too remember to pray for all those who are sick and suffering. Through Her unceasing intercessions, may they all be well.
We reflect on 1 Kings 11:29-32: 12:19 and Mark 7:31-37.
There are things we do and believe bring division within ourselves and around by the way we treat the poor and the needy.
I was talking to someone who returned from their annual home holidays. They remarked that the people have become so selfish during the pandemic. Many spend more than ever on their own now and care or think about those who go through enormous suffering around. Fear of losing that little is in the minds of people than to share the little with someone who has none.
God has entrusted us with so much enough to share with the other. Disappointing the poor around us noticed by God so keenly. Jeroboam did not want to share the resources with the people who needed food. Instead of supporting them, he made them suffer even more with more taxes and dues. God does not tolerate the insensitive attitudes of the arrogant and powerful rulers and believers.
But in the Gospel, Jesus cures a man who was deaf and dumb. The gesture towards those who are suffering needs to be ours too. When we see the hungry, the sick, the depressed and do nothing for them shows our internal hunger, sickness and mental health need the touch of the Lord. May our belief help us to behave in a way that alleviates pain in others not aggravate. May our Beloved Mother Our Lady of Lourdes intercede for us all. May God bless you.