Jesus put out his hand and touched him.
I wonder, when was the last time?
How could you blame the people? - They just did not
know what to do with leprosy – had to send him away.
Young man discovered something worse than leprosy –
disconnect from family, friends, synagogue.
He needed a cure – but more importantly – he needed
healing of a broken heart.
160 years ago tomorrow – young girl named Bernadette
was gathering firewood – when she felt a breeze, looked up and saw a Lady. Who are
you? – in time – I Am the Immaculate
Conception – Build a church, dig for water, pray and turn back to God.
Every year, 5 million people come to Lourdes – 80,000
who are sick – many seek a cure – many more experience healing.
Thing about Lourdes - Sick come first at everything – they
are all surrounded with love – they all matter to God and to us.
Brought to the baths – yes, you bathe in the Lourdes
water. Surrounded by volunteers, they gently and firmly immerse you in the water
– a cleansing of the body. If you wish
today, dip your finger in our holy water fonts – I have added water from
Lourdes.
Off to confession – after cleaning the outside, you
clean the inside – I spent a grace filled week their hearing confessions – but I
am just as moved in our little confessionals here – your sins are forgiven!
Procession with the Blessed Sacrament – Jesus is truly
with us – Body and Blood – and he becomes a part of us when we receive Him. He
is waiting for you in our little chapel – hear your prayers and bring healing.
Candlelight Procession – 30,000 people – light in so
much darkness – we are not alone. So, we light a candle in church or one at
home – do not be afraid!
Someone once said that the greatest miracle is not
when God does our will – but when we do God’s will. The miracle of healing, the
miracle of Lourdes, can happen right here.
