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.
The large crowd of the Jews found out that he was there and came, not only because of him, but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. And the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too, because many of the Jews were turning away and believing in Jesus because of him. (Jn 12:1-11)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041122.cfm
The plot to kill Lazarus surprises us at times. Perhaps we need to remember how important to Jesus is the home in Bethany, the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus. In this Holy Week, the Lord invites us all to be in his presence and to be his Beloved Disciple. We pray for Ukraine.
Then the other criminal hanging there said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Lk 22:14-23:56)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041022.cfm
There is a marvelous film called, Of Gods and Men (2010) which tells the story of the Trappist monks who were martyred in Algeria in 1996. The abbot writes a thank-you letter to his family and in it he addresses the terrorist who would murder him: “Yes, to you as well I address this thank you. May we meet again, happy thieves in Paradise, if it pleases God the Father of us both. Amen. Insha'Allah.”
I will make with them a covenant of peace; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them, and I will multiply them, and put my sanctuary among them forever. My dwelling shall be with them; I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (Ez 39:21-28)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040922.cfm
The promise of a covenant of peace has been fulfilled in the peace Christ has won for us by the blood of his cross. The challenge of course is to find our way to that peace in our world, to live as one people, putting an end to all division. And so we ask the prayers of the Theotokos (the Mother of God) for the Ukrainian people and for the people of Russia. In the video, English subtitles appear at 5:38.
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/
When Abram prostrated himself, God spoke to him: “My covenant with you is this: you are to become the father of a host of nations. No longer shall you be called Abram; your name shall be Abraham, for I am making you the father of a host of nations. (Gen 17:3-9)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040722.cfm
Jews, Christians, Moslems . . . we all look to Abraham as “our father in faith.” We pray for the Ukrainian people who are also children of Abraham.
