Isaiah 65:17-21; John 4:43-54

While the readings promise us healing in the afterlife, I wonder if the gospel is not telling us that the miracle of healing can be experienced in this life as well?  Many skeptics say that miracles do not happen these days.  It seems we rarely recognize the miracles around us or, when we do, we attribute them to the cleverness of man rather than the bountiful gifts of the Lord.  God gave us the intellect that enables man to invent vaccines and antibiotics.  He gave us our miraculous immune systems that defeat so many potential illnesses before they become manifested.

March 22: Day of Worldwide Solidarity and Prayer

Now is the time for each one of us to respond to the worldwide coronavirus crisis by being in solidarity with others, especially with those who are most vulnerable and most at risk. It is the time to follow the directives provided by the World Health Organization and our respective governments.

It is a special time for prayer and for witnessing through practical solidarity and awareness, our responsibly to care for one another. This extraordinary time provides space for acts of generosity and expressions of gratitude especially to those who are in the front line caring for the sick and those engaged in research projects searching for remedies, and those at work in the public services. No matter who they are or where they are, they should know that they are in the thoughts and prayers of sisters worldwide.

We therefore invite all the member congregations of UISG to make next Sunday 22nd March a day of worldwide solidarity and prayer especially for all those directly affected.

Sr. Jolanta Kafka rmi

UISG President

1 Samuel 16:1, 6-7, 10-13; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41

In going through this Sunday's readings, I couldn't help but be struck by how skeptical humans are.  We find in John's gospel reading Jesus tells his disciples that the man born blind is not a sinner, and neither are his parents, but rather " he was born blind so that the works of God might be revealed in him."  This is a familiar story, but it was filled with insight into human nature.

Hosea 6:1-6; Luke 18:9-14

Today’s readings talk about asking for forgiveness and mercy, and of redemption.  David begs for forgiveness; Hosea discusses incredible generosity and grace for forgiveness; the Gospel refers to sin and cleansing.  We have the theme here of repentance and knowledge, and of grace given.

Hosea 14:2-10; Mark 12:28-34

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,
With all your soul,
With all your mind,
And with all your strength.”

In my busy multi-tasking life, how frequently do I do the above?

Do I let other worldly concerns prioritize my energy?

2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16; Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22; Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24

“I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his kingdom firm.” (2 Sam: 4-5a)

“The promise [is] guaranteed to all his descendants not to those who only adhere to the law but to those who follow the faith of Abraham.” (Rm 4:16)

“He did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife [Mary] into his home.” (Matthew 1:24a)

Today is the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary and earthly father of Jesus of Nazareth.  It might seem that we are taking a break from our Lenten readings, but not really.  Today as we focus on Joseph we are encouraged to focus on a model of righteousness.

Prayer of St Joseph, sung by Angelina

We pray to the good God for those who died as a result of the coronary virus. We pray for health for the sick and for the doctors, medical staff and all services that work to stop the spread of this virus. We pray for the epidemic to end.

O greatly merciful God, You who are infinite goodness, today all humanity cries out from the depths of our misery to Your mercy, to Your compassion, O God. Gracious God, do not reject the prayers of this earth’s exiles!

ACT OF ENTRUSTMENT
O God, merciful Father,
Who have revealed your love
in your Son, Jesus Christ,
and have poured it out upon us
in the Holy Spirit, the Comforter.
We entrust to You today the destiny of the world
and of every man and woman.
Bend down to us sinners,
heal our weaknesses,
conquer all evil,
and grant that all the inhabitants of the earth
may experience Your mercy.
May they always find the source of hope
In You, the Triune God.
Eternal Father,
for the sake of the sorrowful Passion,
and the Resurrection of Your Son,
have mercy on us
and on the whole world. Amen
(Pope John Paul II)

Act of Entrustment of the destiny of the world to the Divine Mercy
Pope JOHN PAUL II solemnly entrusted the destiny of the world to the Divine Mercy.
Active link: http://www.faustina-message.com/oredzie_ang_B.htm#akt

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Exodus 17:3-7; Romans 5:12, 5-8; John 4:5-42

The passage from Romans is both clear and powerful, and it only needs reflection and prayer rather any commentary that I might provide.  Precisely because it is so clear, I would like to address instead the psalm and the response we include in today's liturgy: "If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts."

"If" is the problematic word here: "when" would be better, but best (I think) would be something like "when you actually pay attention what the Lord is saying to you."