I hear the whisperings of many: “Terror on every side! Denounce! let us denounce him!” All those who were my friends are on the watch for any misstep of mine. “Perhaps he will be trapped; then we can prevail, and take our vengeance on him.” The LORD is with me, like a mighty champion: my persecutors will stumble, they will not triumph. In their failure they will be put to utter shame, to lasting, unforgettable confusion. O LORD of hosts, you who test the just who probe mind and heart. Sing to the LORD, praise the LORD, For he has rescued the life of the poor from the power of the wicked! (Jer 20:10-13)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040822.cfm
“Holy Week pain, Easter hope in Ukraine” is an excellent article by Jesuit Father Tom Reese who talks about an experience he shared with our young friend, Chris Smith, S.J., when they attended the Divine Liturgy at the Ukrainian Catholic Shrine of the Holy Familly in Washington, D.C. Chris is from the Basilica of Saint Lawrence parish in Asheville. We carry the Ukrainian people with us this Holy Week. https://religionnews.com/2022/04/05/holy-week-pain-easter-hope-ukraine/
These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
Friday, Week V, Lent
