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 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.
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.
