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.
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.
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.
