Our Lady of Lourdes
Mark 7:1-13
A Life Bound to God

Today, as we celebrate the memorial of the Apparitions of Our Lady to St. Bernadette in Lourdes, we are reminded of the beauty of a life bound to God. In her simplicity and faith, St. Bernadette teaches us how to respond to God’s call with humility and love.

Belonging to the Catholic faith is our response to God’s invitation to draw closer to Him. It is not merely a set of practices, but a way of life—a journey back to God. Encountering Jesus changes everything. It transforms us and has the power to touch the lives of those around us. To live our faith is to be continually bound to God, who is the source of all love and hope.

In this relationship with God, rules and norms take on their true meaning. Just as lovers express their love through gestures, so too do we show our love for God through prayer, the sacraments, and devotions like the Rosary. These are not burdens but acts of love that strengthen our bond with Him. Think of marriage: without small acts of love, the relationship can grow distant. The same applies to our relationship with God.

However, we must be cautious not to let religious practices become mere obligations. When structure turns into structuralism, it can suffocate rather than uplift. Religion is meant to lead us to God, not to burden us. The heart of faith lies in speaking openly to God, sharing our joys, struggles, and desires with Him. Structure is good when it guides us, but it must never overshadow the freedom we enjoy as God’s beloved children.

Let us learn from Our Lady of Lourdes to bring others to God, not through rigidity, but through love, tenderness, and freedom. Blessed Mother, draw us closer to your Son. Teach us to love Him through prayer, acts of devotion, and a life rooted in faith. Amen.

© Claretian Publications, Hong Kong, China
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025