St. John Paul II designated Feb. 11 as World Day of the Sick in 1992, saying it was “a special time of prayers and sharing, offering one’s suffering for the good of the Church and of reminding us to see in our sick brothers and sisters the face of Christ who, by suffering, dying and rising, achieved the salvation of humankind.”
This year’s celebration of the 29th World Day of the Sick, the liturgical memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Lourdes, is an opportunity to devote special attention to the sick and to those who provide them with assistance and care both in health care institutions and within families and communities.
Recently, Pope Francis reminded us that the theme of this day is taken from the Gospel of St. Matthew, “You have but one teacher and you are all brothers.” (Mt 23-8) It is a trust-based relationship to guide care for the sick. “It is drawn from the Gospel passage in which Jesus criticizes the hypocrisy of those who fail to practice what they preach (cf. Mt 23:1-12). When our faith is reduced to empty words, unconcerned with the lives and needs of others, the creed we profess proves inconsistent with the life we lead. The danger is real. That is why Jesus uses strong language about the peril of falling into self-idolatry. He tells us: ‘You have but one teacher and you are all brothers.’”
This year, we pray in a particular way for those who have suffered -- and continue to suffer -- the effects of the worldwide coronavirus pandemic. Bishop Edward Malesic of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland asks everyone to pray for an end to the pandemic, “and remember to pray for the repose of the souls of those who have died and for their families, for healing and recovery for those sickened by the virus, for the medical community that it receives the strength needed to persevere and for the success of the vaccine programs. We also pray that our social distancing and mask wearing will not be necessary for much longer. But we continue to practice charity toward our neighbors by acting in safe ways during this pandemic.”
On this occasion of the World Day of Prayer for the Sick, we ask our Lord that, through the intercession of Blessed Mother Mary, Mother of Mercy and Health of the Infirm, our faith and hope may be sustained as we continue to care for one another with deep love and compassion, especially the poor and marginalized.