February, although short and cold, already allows us to perceive nature’s awakening and the arrival of spring. It is a month rich in festivities and anniversaries. On February 2, we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus Christ in the Temple, which invites us to gratefully remember Jesus’ first journey to Jerusalem: Mary and Joseph “present” to God the Son they had received from God as a gift. The very gesture of Mary and Joseph sheds light on a fundamental dimension of the Church: consecrated life, which celebrates its day on this date. Consecrated life recalls the free choice of some men and women to hold nothing back for themselves and to give everything to God: possessions (poverty), relationships (chastity), and freedom (obedience).
On February 11, together with the liturgical memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Lourdes, in honor of the first apparition, which took place on that date in the distant year 1958, we also celebrate the World Day of the Sick.
As Pope Francis writes in the Message for the 29a World Day of the Sick, on this day: “My thoughts go in particular to all those throughout the world who are suffering the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. To all, especially the poorest and most marginalized, I express my spiritual closeness, assuring them of the Church’s concern and affection.”
Let us then turn with confidence to Our Lady of Lourdes and ask her to sustain our faith and hope, to help us care for one another with fraternal love. Finally, let us entrust to her all those who are bearing the burden of illness, together with their family members and healthcare workers.
This month we can turn our gaze to several saints and witnesses of the faith, including the venerable Tecla Merlo, Blessed Mother Speranza, Saint Josephine Bakhita, Saints Francisco and Jacinta Marto, Saint Claude La Colombière, and Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows.
With Ash Wednesday (February 17), we officially enter the season of Lent, a period of intense preparation for the celebration of Easter.
Lent is a time for me, for you, for us: it is a gift, an opportunity that is given to me and to us again this year.
Let us become aware of this opportunity and ask ourselves right away: «How do we want to live this Lent 2021?». To answer this question, we can seek help from the liturgy, which offers us some valuable suggestions: more frequent listening to the Word of God, more intense prayer, a sober lifestyle marked by the call to conversion and sincere love for our brothers and sisters, especially those who are poorer and in greater need, so as to do good works, be less selfish, and think more about the things of God…
It is up to us to transform all this from a simple “resolution” into a personal and therefore communal opportunity to mature, change, grow in faith, and truly convert to God.
Let us wish one another a good Lenten journey, full of trust in the Lord and the joy of those who give themselves without reserve!
Let us move forward with confidence and hope!
