Through Lent with Pope Francis
Let us not fall into humiliating indifference or a monotonous routine that prevents us from discovering what is new! Let us ward off destructive cynicism! Let us open our eyes and see the misery of the world, the wounds of our brothers and sisters who are denied their dignity, and let us recognise that we are compelled to heed their cry for help! May we reach out to them and support them so they can feel the warmth of our presence, our friendship, and our fraternity! May their cry become our own, and together may we break down the barriers of indifference that too often reign supreme and mask our hypocrisy and egoism! If anyone wishes to avoid God’s judgement, he should not make himself the judge of his brother or sister. Human beings, whenever they judge, look no farther than the surface, whereas the Father looks into the very depths of the soul.
Misericordiae Vultus
Scripture
Mathew 9:35-38 NCB
Jesus travelled through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every kind of illness and disease.
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were distressed and helpless like sheep without a shepherd.
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant, but the labourers are few.
Therefore, ask the Lord of the harvest to send forth labourers for his harvest.”
Thought for Today
Where have I seen poverty and need in the last week?
Music
The Lord Hears the Cry of the Poor sung by the choir of St Francis de Sales, Ajax Ontario, written by John Foley.