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.
Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” (Lk 15:1-3, 11-32)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032722-YearC.cfm
In the context of the Eating and Drinking with Sinners, Luke places three parables: the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, the Lost Son. Today we have the Parable of the Lost Son (or the Prodigal Son). It’s significant that all three parables end with a joyful celebration because what was lost has been found. May our Eucharistic celebrations reflect that same joy. As the Entrance Antiphon says: "Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful, all who were in mourning; exult." The sufferings of Ukraine and its people remain in our prayers. Today's picture is the Return of the Prodigal by Rembrandt. Today’s song is La Alegría en el Perdón that sings of the joy when the lost son returns home.
The tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ (Lk 18:9-14)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032622.cfm
The Jesus Prayer is ancient. It is based on this passage from the gospel of Luke: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.” We continue to pray for Ukraine and for an end to all war. Today's video is a traditional Afro-Colombian song to the Virgin Mary, Sagrada Santa María.
For this reason, when Christ came into the world, he said: “Behold, I come to do your will, O God.” (Heb 10:4-10)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032522.cfm
The consecration of ourselves, the Church and all humanity, especially Russia and Ukraine, to God through the prayers of the Immaculate Heart of the Virgin Mary reminds us that we follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, who came to bring peace by his Cross. As Pope Francis says in his prayer, Mary’s Yes to God “opened the doors of history to the Prince of Peace.” Through the prayers of the Immaculate Heart of the Mother of God, we consecrate to the Lord “the future of the whole human family, the needs and expectations of every people, the anxieties and hopes of the world.” May God lead us now on the paths of peace. Amen.
Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 95)
R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. Come, let us sing joyfully to the LORD; let us acclaim the Rock of our salvation. Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us joyfully sing psalms to him. R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032422.cfm
The invitatory psalm, usually Psalm 95 (94), is the psalm that begins the first office of prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours. It “invites” to sing joyfully, to come into God's presence, to hear God’s voice, and to not harden our hearts. The response: “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts” is frequently heard during Lent. Today we continue our prayer for the Ukrainian people.
Moses spoke to the people and said: “Take care and be earnestly on your guard not to forget the things which your own eyes have seen, nor let them slip from your memory as long as you live, but teach them to your children and to your children’s children.” (Dt 4:1, 5-9)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032322.cfm
Like the old song from South Pacific said in another context, “You've got to be carefully taught!” Those of us who were “carefully taught” love and respect for all people are eternally grateful for the parents and grandparents we had. It’s a shame that others received the opposite message. We keep praying for Ukraine.
