11 February 2021
Thursday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Today’s gospel antiphon reads, “Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls.” And it is quite fitting on this Marian feast of our Lady of Lourdes.
This week as we hear the story of creation from Genesis, we see how God formed the human race from clay of the ground and on that same ground planted a lush garden full of life. In just a few days we will hear of how Adam and Eve were expelled from the garden, losing that perfect connection with their source of life. What follows is toil and suffering. But God’s promise of love and mercy would never leave our ancestors.
His Word would be with them to guide them to return to their fullness of life. Even when the land around seemed barren, the Word of God could grow within them. Mary believed this and she practiced it faithfully, before and after the Annunciation. The Word of God would become fruit of her womb for the healing and salvation of every soul.
May we always imitate our blessed mother in her humility and openness to welcoming the Word of God. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us!