Dear friends, the light of Christ shines brightly in today’s scripture readings. At baptism, we were entrusted with a baptismal candle and told to keep the light of Christ bravely burning in our hearts. Today we are told not to hide that light, but to use it to help transform the darkness of this world. Let us pray that the word of God proclaimed this day will strengthen us on our earthly pilgrimage. May our light one day shine in the glorious radiance of the kingdom of heaven.
This Friday is the memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes. On this day in 1858, Mary appeared to a peasant girl, Bernadette Soubirous, on the outskirts of the humble village of Lourdes in the south of France. Bernadette promised to meet the lady there every day for 15 days. On one of these visits, the lady pointed out a hidden spring. The grotto and the spring have since become one of the world’s major places of pilgrimage. Today has become known as World Day of the Sick. Here is a prayer to our Lady of Lourdes:
O Holy Virgin, in the midst of your days of glory, do not forget the sorrows of this earth. Cast a merciful glance upon those who are suffering and struggling against difficulties. Have pity on those who love each other and are separated. Have pity on our rebellious hearts. Have pity on our weak faith. Have pity on those we love. Have pity on those who weep, on those who pray and on those who fear. Grant hope and peace to all. Amen.
On this Super Bowl Sunday, all I can say is:
