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.
God said to Noah, “I set my bow in the clouds to serve as a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth, and the bow appears in the clouds, I will recall the covenant I have made between me and you and all living beings, so that the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all mortal beings." (Gen 9:8-15)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021824.cfm
As a friend once said, “Sometimes a rainbow is just a rainbow.” But then at other times a rainbow can be so much more: a sign of hope, a place of safety, a promise of inclusion, a covenant of peace.
Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were at table with them. The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus said to them in reply, “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.” (Lk 5”27-32)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021724.cfm
When I was in high school, a friend made a smart remark about the church in front of his grandmother. I never forgot her reply: “The church is not a club for saints, it’s a hospital for sinners.”
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/021624.cfm
Faith (and fasting for that matter) is never about us . . . it’s always about others. Catholic Social Teaching (the corporal works of mercy in action) is not optional . . . it is essential to loving God and loving our neighbor.
Then Jesus said to all, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?” (Lk 9:22-25)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021524.cfm
At the beginning of this Lenten journey, the Lord is very clear about what’s at stake. Traveling alone we would soon get lost. But the Lord gives us good companions on the Way and reminds us that the journey is worth it all.
Even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart. (Jl 2:12-18)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021424.cfm
In one sense Lent is really not about us—about what we’re going to do for God, but rather Lent is about what God has already done for us in Christ. Our fasting, prayer and works of charity are an expression of our thanksgiving to God for such wondrous Love. May you have a joyful Lent!
