Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Ordinary Time
Our Lady of Lourdes

While we celebrate the feast day that honor Mary under the title, Our Lady of Lourdes, let us continue praying with words from St. Mark's gospel, (7:14-23). The words of Jesus contain something of the Marian message to St. Bernadette Soubirous at Lourdes.

Recently I read a reflection present by a former student. While working with native American Indians in the West, he learned much about himself from learning to work with clay. As Ray wrote, "Working with clay taught me the value of working on the inside ...." He saw much in molding clay that he used to see the process of transforming himself and, as a priest, others who sought his direction. He learned that to be successful in working with clay meant taking the time to help the clay become its very best. He learned that working the air bubbles out of the earthly mire demanding much squeezing, shaping, rolling. It was the only way to produce an object that would last.

What Jesus was teaching in this part of Mark's account can be put in a question: "Have you ever worked on yourself? To make ourselves better, to root out any demons that weaken our power as a son or daughter of God, does not happen quickly. No computer speed allowed in this process. The goal to be achieved demands much time. No athlete, not surgeon, no artist, no married couple became good quickly. If that did happen, most likely the product ended up being little more than a flash in the pan!

To work with what is within us we need the shaping hands of God. God, as you know, never hurries. Why a long time? Ask another question as well: Did your children, or children you know, learn "obedience, love, compassion, generosity and selflessness" quickly or easily? This question might suggest to adults when the very same virtues may yet be lacking in our lives. We may step back for trying to work on the inside being more concerned about the outside of who we are.
That's the message of Lourdes, even in the miracles: turn in on your very being. Come to know what God is trying to do with the graces he has given to you. Turn in on yourself.