The Scriptural Basis

for the Pastoral Theme

The scriptural basis for the pastoral theme of Lourdes this year comes from the second letter of St Paul to the Corinthians. In this chapter, St Paul talks about the ministry of reconciliation that God has given to us. He tells them that “we are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” 2Cor 5:20. St Paul was aware that the Corinthians’ relationship with God was not a strong or particularly close one and so was urging them to be better Christians.

St Paul recognised the only way that we can be reconciled with God is through Jesus. If we could be reconciled in any other way, Jesus’ sacrifice would have been unnecessary. It is therefore of the utmost importance that we accept Jesus paid the price necessary for us to be reconciled with God.

In John’s Gospel, we are told that Jesus is the way to heaven and to the Father. Jesus says “I am the way, the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father except through me.” John14:6. We have to trust in Jesus and believe what he tells us if we want to be reconciled and meet the Father in heaven.

Reconciliation to Conversion

If we want to seek forgiveness or to be reconciled to something or someone, often we have to undergo a change within ourselves to be able to achieve that. Jesus was aware of this during his time of teaching and when he went to Galilee to proclaim the good news, he said,

“The time has come. The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” Mk1:15

Jesus knew that he was the way to the Father but he also knew that the people needed to change their views so that they were able to accept him in their lives.

Conversion to Penance

Change and conversion are often difficult and can cause pain and unrest. We see this in the parable of the Prodigal Son. When the son decided to return home, he realised the error of his ways and planned to say to his father “I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.” Lk15:19. It was painful to admit his error and he thought, would be painful for him for the rest of his life. Fortunately, his father was more forgiving than he could ever have imagined: “while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” Lk 15:20. This is a message to us all: if we are willing to ask for forgiveness and move away from our usual ways, the Father will be there for us, welcoming us into his arms and kingdom.

The same is true of Peter in the Passion.

“The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: ‘Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.’ And he went outside and wept bitterly.” Lk 22:61-62.

Peter knew that he had done wrong but had felt that at the time it was the only option for him. He was reproached by Jesus for his actions but undoubtedly knew that he could trust Jesus and indeed needed to.

Water and Baths in Lourdes

The water and Baths are two of the strongest symbols of Lourdes. They remind us of our Lady’s appearance to Bernadette but they also have a deeper meaning.

Water is symbolic of cleansing. David once said to the Lord, “Wash me clean of my guilt, purify me from my sin.” Psalm 51:2. The water in Lourdes is a way of reconciling ourselves to God: it will clean us if we want it to and will enable us to change our ways and be closer to God.

The Lord’s Prayer

When Jesus was asked by the disciples how to pray, he said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’” Lk 11:2-4. At the very heart of Jesus’ teaching is the idea that we have not only to ask for forgiveness but to forgive others in the way that we ourselves wish to be forgiven by God. Being reconciled with God is not always easy. We have to remember that we must ask to be forgiven and it is only then that we can be the closest to God that we ever will be.