Good morning!
And now for something completely different-- for Thursday's rosary we recite the Luminous Mysteries (text, video), which we haven't discussed yet.
The fifth mystery, The Institution of the Eucharist, is of course relevant to Amelia, because she recently had her First Communion. It's bittersweet, because of course we're happy she can fully participate in the mass, but the reason she was allowed to do it earlier than normal is that we're not sure how much longer she'll be able to. During the normal course of events, an MLD patient will be transferred to a feeding tube.
And so we pray, which brings me to the second mystery, The Wedding in Cana. It's Jesus' first public miracle, turning water into wine. What's interesting for us is why He did it-- because Mary asked Him to. And like a good Son, He did what His mom asked.
Protestants worry about idolatry, but Catholics don't worship Mary. We believe she (and the rest of the saints in Heaven) can hear us, and add her prayers to ours. (We call it "intercession.") And don't get me wrong, everyone's prayers are wonderful; I just think a prayer from Jesus' mom is extra special.
So let's keep praying this Novena together with Mary..
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, amen.
Lord God, we thank You for all the ways You have blessed and assisted us in our lives. We humbly ask You today to bring healing to all who are sick.
There are some areas of the world where sick people do not receive sufficient medical care. We thank You that we are blessed to have access to some of the best doctors in the world. We ask You to heal all the sick, and we particularly ask You today to help all areas of the world to advance in medical care and knowledge so that more sick people may find healing!
Help us to turn to You in all of our needs each day of our lives. Help us to grow in our faith and trust in You.
And I especially ask in this novena to cure Amelia of her metachromatic leukodystrophy.
Lord, hear our prayers!