February 12, Thursday Weekday

Blessed are those who fear the Lord.--Psalm 128:(see 1)

Mass readings: Genesis 2:18-25 / Mark 7:24-30

Strength in Weakness

We celebrate Lincoln's birthday today. As children we learned stories that portrayed him as a rugged, stalwart pillar of strength during a time of national crisis. Some people find it disturbing, then, to learn that Lincoln was subject to severe bouts of depression and anxiety. Similarly, many are shocked to learn that for years Mother Teresa's spiritual life was characterized by ''emptiness and silence,'' leading her to doubt God's love, God's goodness, even God himself. ''But I thought Lincoln was such a strong man, and Mother Teresa was so holy?''

They were indeed; those struggles serve as even further evidence. Heroes deserve a pedestal not because they floated above the afflictions that often sidetrack the rest of us, but because they walked -- or doggedly trudged -- straight through them.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help all those who suffer from depression.