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.

This, rather, is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; Setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; Sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; Clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own. (Is 58:1-9a)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030725.cfm
If Lent doesn’t lead us to the poor, then we’re doing it wrong. Lent is always about what we do for others. Justice and mercy are not optional, they are essential. We continue to pray for Pope Francis and his ministry to the church.