Thursday 11th February, 2010
Our Lady of Lourdes. 1 Kings 11:4-13. Lord, remember us, for the love you bear your people—Ps 105(106):3-4, 35-37, 40. Mark 7:24-30.

  
Meditation: mp3 | podcast
Readings: Text | mp3 | podcast

The scripture readings for today elevate the strains and stresses of ordinary living to the dimension of the worldwide struggle between good and evil.

This struggle is part of personal life and defines the nature of our human existence. We read that Solomon did what was displeasing to God and was not a whole-hearted follower of God as his father David had been. The insight of the psalm we read today is inspirational for us as individuals and for the whole of humanity: ‘Happy are we if exercise justice and constantly practice virtue.’

Sadly, like Solomon, we don’t! We have sinned as much as our fathers and perhaps, all things considered, even more. Our need for redemption is real beyond imagining. ‘Lord, God, remember me’, writes the psalmist, ‘for the love you bear your people. Come to me as a saviour.’ Jesus’ cure of the woman’s daughter was a sign of his power for good in the world.