Be gracious to me, Lord, for I am in distress;
affliction is wearing down my eyes,
my throat and my insides.
My life is worn out by sorrow,
and my years by sighing.
My strength fails in my affliction;
my bones are wearing down.
But I trust in you, Lord;
I say,
“You are my God.”
PSALM 31:10-11, 15
O GOD, DEFENDER OF THE POOR AND OPPRESSED
we pray for the sick poor in our midst, whose dignity is often assaulted and who can be so vulnerable — or even forgotten — in being able to get adequate health care. O God, give them comfort in their sickness. Help us to hear their cries and come to their aid. Teach us to see with your eyes their tremendous dignity and to care for them as you care. Let us see in them your face, that through our solidarity with them they may experience your compassion, concern and love. Through the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes and in the name of your Son, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. AMEN.