Today is January 6, the optional memorial of St. André Bessette.
In the Gospel for today’s Mass we read, “His fame spread to all of Syria, and they brought to him all who were sick with various diseases and racked with pain, those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics, and he cured them” (Mt 4:23).
St. André Bessette, a Holy Cross brother, lived with a pure and steadfast faith that was renowned even in his own day. Though he was uneducated and faced constant health struggles, St. André’s faith was unwavering.
The Gospel today reminds us of Christ’s healing power. “He went around all of Galilee,
teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people,” the evangelist says. St. André believed firmly in God’s healing grace and in the power of St. Joseph’s intercession, to whom he was deeply devoted. Through the prayers of St. André hundreds, perhaps thousands of people have been healed.
Sickness of the heart and soul
But what of our sickness of heart? What if we’re suffering from sickness of soul? St. André says, “If the soul is sick, one must begin by treating the soul. Do you have faith? Do you believe that God can do something for you? Go confess yourself to the priest…then go to communion…” St. André was known to welcome anyone in need, offering comfort, prayer, and the invitation to trust in God’s providence.
“It is with the smallest brushes that the Artist paints the best paintings,” St. André says. Throughout his life, he took on only the most humble duties. Serving for decades as a porter, he opened and closed the door at Notre Dame College in Montreal. Perhaps the best summary of his life is his own: “My only ambition is to serve God in the most humble tasks.”
In a world that exalts self-reliance, St. André invites us to trust deeply in God’s care, to ask confidently for what we need, and to let the Holy Spirit guide us. St. André says, “Put yourself in God’s hands; he abandons no one.” Today, may we be inspired by his example to live in a spirit of humility and compassion, loving the sick and those in need with great devotion.
Today, let us entrust someone who is sick, someone really suffering in our lives to the intercession of St. André.
Let us pray,
Lord our God, friend of the lowly, who gave your servant, Saint André Bessette, a great devotion to Saint Joseph and a special commitment to the poor and afflicted, help us through his intercession to follow his example of prayer and love and so come to share with him in your glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
