Beloved Family:
This weekend, within the celebration of the Mass for the Second Sunday of Lent, we offer the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Earlier in the month, the Church observed the memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes. In 2013, I had the opportunity to attend a local screening of a film entitled, simply, Lourdes, a documentary that follows the journey of several individuals to this universally-known place of pilgrimage (reportedly, country-wide, second only to Paris in number of annual visitors).
What stands out in my memory, from this “remote” timestamp, is that it is not uncommon for people who suffer from one or another malady to make repeated trips there, not losing heart for not experiencing an actual physical cure. One source includes in its synopsis: “Lourdes is an insightful meditation on the human capacity for empathy and hope, and the mystery of religious faith in the face of profound tribulation.” I find that a rather powerful statement, worthy of our attention and aspiration.
To quote one of the persons documented in the film: “Disability and infirmity testify to visible suffering. But that is only the reflection of the invisible suffering endured. When you are at Lourdes, you can show yourself as you really are, in all your grandeur and weakness.” After morning Mass on Tuesday, a parishioner mentioned his anticipated visit with a man who recently had to have both of his hands and both of his feet amputated. The parishioner expressed amazement at the attitude and outlook of this man, in light of being subject to such an extreme procedure. Oh, the weakness and the grandeur coexisting in us human beings. May all those anointed this Sunday experience the powerful manifestation of Jesus accompanying them in their suffering.
As we pray for the sick, we also do well to lift up in prayer, with the same frequency, those who care for them. This, of course, includes professional health care workers, as well as many family members who serve as caregivers for loved ones. As most know, a new emergency care facility has opened at our local hospital. I had the opportunity to attend the open house, and I must say it is pretty amazing. I also learned that one of our Saint Mary parish community members, Mr. Tom Capek, has served on the hospital board of governors for a full 45 years. What an example of dedication!
I recognize that I tend to include ample quotations from other sources in my articles. For full disclosure, I am at a point in my life where it doesn’t make sense to sacrifice quality for originality. In other words, there are many occasions when someone else articulates an idea or insight that, as far as I am concerned, significantly surpasses what I believe I could manage.
In that spirit, allow me to share a portion of a longer Litany of Compassion for the Sick, which appears in the February issue of Magnificat (Fr. Peter John Cameron, O.P.).
When pain or distress is overwhelming, Lord, be close and give your comfort.
When terrified by treatments or therapy, Lord, be close and give your comfort.
When the feeling of alienation arises: Lord, be close and give your comfort.
When troubled by impatience and negativity, Lord, be close and give your comfort.
When the ravages of disease attack self-esteem, Lord, be close and give your comfort.
When anguish is intensified by the need for reconciliation, Lord, be close and give your comfort.
When sickness is mistaken for punishment, Lord, be close and give your comfort.
When sickness causes financial hardship that leads to worry or despair, Lord, be close and give your comfort.
When friends draw back, fearful of disease, Lord, be close and give your comfort.
Let His Peace be with you,
Fr. Stephen
