On the Church calendar, February 11 is also the World Day of the Sick. This day highlights the healing ministry of the Church. It reminds us that service to people who are sick and suffering cannot be neglected.
The Canadian Bishops write that this day of prayer for the sick “recognizes the great efforts of doctors, nurses, healthcare institutions and pastoral care givers to restore health to those afflicted with illness and disease.”
Through the eyes of faith difficulties can in fact be a great good. Sickness, pain, failure, poverty, scandal, accidents – each of these problems can lead us closer to God. With the help of grace, we can find in each of these problems true humility since they make us so dependent on God. Illness can help us to be much less attached to worldly things. These problems can lead us to trust more in God.
Yet God wants us to do our part as well in handling problems. Saint Augustine said: “do everything possible and ask God for what is impossible.”
To commemorate this day on FRIDAY FEBRUARY 15, after all Masses, we will have the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick for those who have a serious illness.
Let us pray then to accept all things with faith, hope and love and to work with God for his Glory and the good of all people.
