Praying for the Sick

Next week, the Church will celebrate the memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes, as well as observe the World Day for the Sick. This has been a rough winter for many people, young and old. The flu has been a tough illness to shake and some people even had pneumonia. I had the stomach flu a couple of weeks ago and now I have all the cold symptoms. It has been a continuous cycle for many people and it does take time to get over. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who is sick or suffering. In the Prayers of the Faithful at Mass, we are asked to include a prayer for those who are sick. We also pray for the health care providers who are a tremendous blessing as they care for those who are sick and suffering. Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, writes this about the Church's fundamental role: "Lovingly and generously accepting every human being, especially those who are weak and sick." We can dedicate the month of February to praying for the sick because of this important feast of Our Lady, but we know that praying for the sick is not confined to a particular time, it is a necessity for us everyday. Let us hold in prayer all who are sick that they may experience and know the loving and healing presence of God. Mary, Health of the Sick, Pray for Us!!!