jim henson

Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.  Mary said very few things to Bernadette at Lourdes.

She did tell Bernadette to pray to God for sinners, and that she didn't promise Bernadette happiness in this world but in the next.

This is one of the great paradoxes of Christianity.  There is much suffering in the world, but it serves a purpose. God uses it for our good and for others' good. Romans 8:28 tells us "Everything works together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose."

The feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes is also World Day of the Sick, instituted by Pope John Paul II (who will be Blessed John Paul on May 1) in 1992 as a "special time of prayer and sharing, of offering one's suffering."

Pray today for all those who are suffering that God may give them consolation.