World Day of Prayer for the Sick

'Illness is part of our human condition. Yet, if illness is experienced in isolation and abandonment, unaccompanied by care and compassion, it can become inhumane. On this World Day of the Sick, as the whole Church journeys along the synodal path, I invite all of us to reflect on the fact that it is especially through the experience of vulnerability and illness that we can learn to walk together according to the style of God, which is closeness, compassion, and tenderness.'

Message from Pope Francis 2023

Readings for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary time

Lev 13:1-2,44-46: As long as he is unclean, he must live alone, outside the camp.

Ps 31:1-2,5,11:R. I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation.

1 Cor 10:31-11:1: Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

Alleluia, alleluia! A great prophet has appeared among us; God has visited hi people. Alleluia!

Mk 1:40-45: The leprosy left him and he was cured.

Prayer

In this spirit, let us pray together for the sick.

Watch, O Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight,
and give Your angels charge over those who sleep.
Tend your sick ones, loving Lord. Rest your weary ones.
Bless your dying ones. Soothe your suffering ones. Pity your afflicted ones.
Shield your joyous ones.
Give strength and vigilant awareness for all your caregivers
through Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Inspired by a prayer from Sister Mary Christa Kroening. Source: Jesuits.global-praying together for the sick)

Music suggestions

The Lord hears the cry of the Poor by John Foley

There is a longing by Anne Quigley

The Lord’s my shepherd

Photos from Unsplash free pix