TODAY’S GOSPEL READING – 11 FEBRUARY
February 11, 2026
GOD REVEALS HIS MERCY THROUGH HUMILITY AND HIDDENNESS
“God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.”
— 1 Corinthians 1:27
Mary appeared not in places of prestige, but in a simple grotto at the outskirts of town.
Grace often emerges from the overlooked corners of life — from vulnerability, simplicity, and places we may hesitate to embrace.
SACRED SILENCE FORMS THE HEART FOR DIVINE ENCOUNTER
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
— Psalm 46:10
During the earliest apparitions, Mary spoke no words; she prayed quietly.
God’s most profound work frequently begins in silence. Remain patient in stillness; understanding unfolds gently.
PRAYER IS LOVING COMMUNION WITH HEAVEN
“Pray without ceasing.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Mary recited the Rosary alongside Bernadette, bead by bead.
Prayer is not solitary effort but companionship with God. Each prayer draws heaven closer to the heart.
REPENTANCE LEADS THE SOUL TOWARD FREEDOM
“Repent, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out.”
— Acts 3:19
Mary’s invitation to penance carried tenderness rather than severity.
True repentance restores the soul and releases it from the burdens that confine it.
DIVINE WONDERS OFTEN BEGIN IN UNEXPECTED PLACES
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”
— 2 Corinthians 12:9
Bernadette dug through mud and drank murky water before the spring ran clear.
God sometimes asks for trustful obedience before clarity appears. Restoration often begins through humble surrender.
GRACE FLOWS AS A GIFT, NOT AN ACHIEVEMENT
“Let anyone who is thirsty come to Me and drink.”
— John 7:37
The water of Lourdes flows freely, offered to all without condition.
Grace is not earned through strength but received by those who recognize their need.
GOD’S HEALING TOUCH EXTENDS BEYOND THE BODY
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
— Psalm 147:3
Many pilgrims depart Lourdes physically unchanged yet spiritually strengthened.
God’s deepest healing renews hope, meaning, and trust even when suffering continues.
THE SICK HOLD A SACRED PLACE IN GOD’S KINGDOM
“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me.”
— Matthew 25:40
At Lourdes, the ill are placed at the center while others serve them with love.
In God’s eyes, human weakness becomes a place where dignity and grace shine brightly.
MARY’S IDENTITY AS THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION REVEALS HOPE FOR HUMANITY
“Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you.”
— Luke 1:28
Mary revealed herself as entirely filled with God’s grace.
What Mary received fully from the beginning, God gradually forms within us through mercy and faithful living.
FAITH FLOURISHES THROUGH HUMBLE FIDELITY
“Whoever is faithful in little is faithful also in much.”
— Luke 16:10
Bernadette never sought attention or supernatural experiences; she remained simple and obedient.
God often entrusts His greatest blessings to those who remain humble and steadfast.
SUFFERING GAINS RADIANCE WHEN UNITED WITH CHRIST
“If we suffer with Him, we shall also be glorified with Him.”
— Romans 8:17
Lourdes does not remove the Cross but reveals its transforming power.
Pain offered to Christ is not wasted — it becomes part of redemption.
GOD COMMUNICATES GRACE THROUGH PHYSICAL SIGNS
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit?”
— 1 Corinthians 6:19
Water, touch, movement, and cleansing rituals at Lourdes emphasize the sacredness of the human body.
The body is not a barrier to holiness but a living instrument through which grace is received.
DIVINE GRACE CONTINUES EVEN AMID DOUBT
“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
— John 20:29
Bernadette faced skepticism, questioning, and ridicule from authorities and crowds.
God’s truth unfolds in its time. Faithfulness remains steady even when understanding is delayed.
MARY ALWAYS GUIDES SOULS TOWARD JESUS
“Do whatever He tells you.”
— John 2:5
The devotions of Lourdes — the Rosary, Eucharistic worship, and calls to conversion — all direct hearts toward Christ.
Authentic devotion to Mary strengthens love for Jesus and deepens unity with His Church.
AN INVITATION TO RETURN, BE Renewed, AND TRUST IN GRACE
“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
— Matthew 11:28
Mary’s invitation to drink from the spring and wash remains timeless.
Return frequently to God’s source of grace.
Allow Him to cleanse the wounds of the heart.
Trust the gentle and steady work of divine love.
PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF LOURDES
O Our Lady of Lourdes,
Mother of the Immaculate Conception,
you came to the poor and the suffering
with a message of prayer and hope.
Intercede for us in our needs,
strengthen those who endure illness,
console those who care for the suffering,
and help us place our trust in God
in both healing and hardship.
Guide us always to your Son,
the true healer of body and soul.
Amen.
