March 8, 2025 - Saturday after Ash Wednesday

Artist Sister Mary of the Compassion, OP (1908-1977)

“Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do.” 

One of the most dreaded events which can befall us is getting sick. Whether we feel that we are coming down with a cold or we develop symptoms of a much more serious disease, we are reminded of our vulnerability. Despite eating our vegetables, taking our vitamins, washing our hands, using hand sanitizer, wearing masks, etc., we can still come done with viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. We can also develop autoimmune diseases, tumors, cancers, and more!  

When injury or illness occurs, we prudently seek out the right physician. We often cannot heal ourselves. 

In terms of our spiritual health, St. John of the Cross reminds us that “we must not trust in ourselves, because we shall fall into sin a thousand times a day.” Therefore, St. John wisely counsels us to “trust only in Jesus Christ.” He is the Divine Physician who offers us healing of the soul (and sometimes the mind and body as well). In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the priest, acting in the person of Christ the Head, absolves us of our sins, and grants us the priceless gifts of pardon and peace.  

This Lent let us make a return to the Lord. Whether it has been five days or fifty years since our last Confession, as Pope Francis reminded us at the beginning of his Petrine ministry, the Lord never tires to forgive, even if we sometimes tire to ask for forgiveness. 

Almighty ever-living God, look with compassion on our weakness and ensure us your protection by stretching forth the right hand of your majesty. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. (Roman Missal)

Rev. Joseph R. Laracy, Associate Professor and Chair of Systematic Theology, Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology

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