BISHOP TIMOTHY FREYER was the main celebrant for the World Day of the Sick Mass on Feb. 8 at Christ Cathedral.
The World Day of the Sick is an annual observance encouraging Catholics to pray and offer support to those suffering with illness.
In his homily, Bishop Freyer stressed the importance of hope and faith in times of suffering.
FR. IAN GASTON BLESSES THE CONGREGATION WITH HOLY WATER FROM LOURDES DURING THE ANNUAL WORLD DAY OF THE SICK MASS AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL. PHOTOS BY THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE
Despite the suffering, God’s love is evident through Jesus Christ, “who took on the world’s sufferings and won the victory over death,” the bishop said.
Being observed for the 33rd year, the theme for this year’s World Day of the Sick was “Hope does not disappoint,” (Romans 5:5), a passage reminding Catholics that “hope strengthens us in times of trial as we draw near to God and to one another,” as stated by Bishop Kevin Vann in an open letter to the faithful.
“We give thanks to God for Everyone gathered here today,” Bishop Vann wrote. “With a special word of appreciation for the caregivers and healthcare workers, who, day in and day out, embody the love of Jesus through their selfless dedication to the sick.”
More than 1,000 were in attendance, including hundreds dealing with sickness, who were anointed with oil – a sacrament of the Catholic Church – and blessed by Bishop Freyer and several additional priests who assisted.
As part of the introductory rites of the Mass, Holy Water from the Grotto in Lourdes was sprinkled on the entire congregation, symbolizing the baptism and life-giving waters by which Catholics die and rise again with Christ.
During his homily, Bishop Freyer recounted his countless experiences visiting the sick, who often ask, Why is God doing this to me?
“And it’s a normal question that many of us would ask in the moment of grave illness,” said Bishop Freyer.
He reassured the congregation that God does not cause suffering but allows it due to the sins that brought illness, death and destruction into the world as detailed in the Book of Genesis.
He reflected on the story of Adam and Eve, who lived in a perfect world until they chose to sin, giving Satan power over the world and introducing suffering.
“Everything was perfect,” said Bishop Freyer. “But then, when Adam and Eve chose to listen to the lie of the enemy and chose to sin, in that moment in which they chose to sin, Satan had power over this world.”
Adam was ashamed to be in the presence of God and went hiding in the bushes. Adam and Eve began blaming each other and became divided over what had happened. Sickness and death came into the world.
“If you want to get mad at your illness, feel free, but get mad at the one who is causing it which is the enemy,” Bishop Freyer said.
Bishop Freyer also shared the story of his own father, who suffered from cancer.
But prior to the onset of the cancer, his dad had a great sense of humor.
“He was always laughing and joking,” he said.
Despite the pain, his father’s spirit was lifted after being anointed by a priest.
“The Lord gives us these sacraments to give us a glimpse that this won’t be the whole of our life,” Bishop Freyer said.
He concluded by urging the faithful to trust in God and unite their sufferings with those of Christ.
St. Pope John Paul II started the World Day of the Sick in February 1993, declaring that the day will be observed every year and celebrated as a “special time for prayer and sharing, of offering one’s suffering for the good of the Church and of reminding everyone to see in his sick brother or sister, the face of Christ.”
The World Day of the Sick coincides with the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.