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.
Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 34)
R. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. Many are the troubles of the just man, but out of them all the LORD delivers him. He watches over all his bones not one of them shall be broken. R. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040122.cfm
The early church searched the Hebrew Scriptures, especially the Book of Psalms, to understand the Scandal of the Cross. They began to see how the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus was “in accordance with the Scriptures” (The Nicene Creed). We pray that God will be close to the brokenhearted people of Ukraine.
Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 106)
R. Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people. They forgot the God who had saved them, who had done great deeds in Egypt, Wondrous deeds in the land of Ham, terrible things at the Red Sea. R. Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/033122.cfm
At times we forget what God has done for us. We forget the many blessings we have received. But still we ask God to remember us. And God does remember for the love God has for us. As the gospel verse reminds us: God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might have eternal life (John 3:16).
Sing out, O heavens, and rejoice, O earth, break forth into song, you mountains. For the LORD comforts his people and shows mercy to his afflicted. But Zion said, “The LORD has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me.” Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you. (Is 49:8-15)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/033022.cfm
One of the most tender images in all the scriptures—God’s promise to never forget us. And so we continue to pray for Ukraine; the people of Ukraine are not forgotten.
Wherever the river flows, every sort of living creature that can multiply shall live, and there shall be abundant fish, for wherever this water comes the sea shall be made fresh. Along both banks of the river, fruit trees of every kind shall grow; their leaves shall not fade, nor their fruit fail. Every month they shall bear fresh fruit, for they shall be watered by the flow from the sanctuary. Their fruit shall serve for food, and their leaves for medicine. (Ez 47:1-9, 12)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032922.cfm
Even before the time of Saint Hilary of Poitiers (310-367) and his commentary on the Psalms, the church has seen the image of the river as a symbol of baptism—a wonderful reminder as we prepare to renew our baptismal vows at Easter when we will joyfully sing, Vidi Aquam, I Saw Water Flowing. We pray for the rebirth of Ukraine.
Thus says the LORD: Lo, I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; The things of the past shall not be remembered or come to min. Instead, there shall always be rejoicing and happiness in what I create. (Is 65:17-21)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032822.cfm
A new heavens, a new earth, and a new us--what a vision! Maybe there's hope for this old world after all. There’s definitely hope for Ukraine.
