Welcome
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.
Saturday of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Lent, April 2
Some in the crowd who heard these words of Jesus said, “This is truly the Prophet.” Others said, “This is the Christ.” But others said, “The Christ will not come from Galilee, will he? Does not Scripture say that the Christ will be of David’s family and come from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?” So a division occurred in the crowd because of him. Some of them even wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him. (Jn 7:40-53)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040222.cfm
The question of where Jesus is from is a central question. Matthew and Luke begin their gospels by carefully having Jesus born in the city of David (Bethlehem). But the Fourth Gospel has no problem with Jesus being from Galilee—because the Fourth Gospel answers the question of Jesus’ origins by saying that Jesus is from God. Through the prayers of the Mother of God, may God protect the Ukrainian people.
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Friday, Week IV, Lent
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.
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Thursday, Week IV, Lent
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).
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Wednesday, Week IV, Lent
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.
Tuesday, Week IV, Lent
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.
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Monday, Week IV, Lent
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.
IV SUNDAY of LENT (Laetare)
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.
