Genesis 1:20 - 2:4 / Mark 7:1-13
The Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes is celebrated today because it marks the date of the first reported apparition of the Virgin Mary to St. Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes, France, on February 11, 1858.
This event is considered the beginning of the series of apparitions that led the Church to acknowledge the message of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Connected with the apparitions and the message is also the miraculous spring that sprung up at the spot St. Bernadette dug as instructed by Our Lady.
Over time, the waters of the spring brought about healing and miracles.
Lourdes became a place of prayer and hope.
People had recourse to the intercession of Our Lady for their needs.
The 1st reading recalls that moment when God created mankind in His image.
With that God saw His creation as very good.
This feast of Our Lady of Lourdes reminds us that God still sees mankind and the rest of creation as very good.
Though mankind is broken by sin, God bestows His healing love on humanity.
Through the intercession of Our Lady, may we too receive God’s healing love and forgiveness.
And may we live worthily as beautiful images of God.