Wednesday - Fourth Week of Lent
March 14, 2018
Today's world appears to be in turmoil. Wars and injustice abound. Displaced peoples desperately seek refuge in places where welcome is often uncertain. A rapidly changing economy is leaving millions in a state of despair and helplessness. There is a palpable anger at what many perceive to be a world in a downward spiral.
It is no wonder, therefore that at such times we turn to God and say, as Zion says in today's first reading from Isaiah, "The Lord has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me." To which the Lord replied: "Can a woman forget her infant? I will not forget you." A promise to remember.
Words of encouragement pour out of today's readings. "To those in darkness, show yourselves. They shall not hunger or thirst. For the Lord comforts His people and shows mercy to the afflicted." (Isaiah)
The psalm echoes: "The Lord lifts up all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down. The Lord is good to all and compassionate towards all His works."
Time and again we are told not to despair for we are never alone. The Lord will be there for us, especially in our darkest moments. John's Gospel promises us: "Amen, amen I say to you the hour is coming and is now here when the dead will hear the voice of the son of
God and those who hear will live."
Amen indeed!
Dennis Xuereb
St. Anthony Parishioner (and Lector, Eucharistic minister, and co-leader of the Grief Support Group)
