PRAYER - STUDY - ACTION
THIRD WEEK OF LENT
March 15-21, 2020

 

As we move more deeply into the heart of Lent, I'm aware of just how troubling these times are for so many of us: news of the coronavirus outbreak and the disruption and anxiety it has caused; concern and worry over politics and the upcoming election; economic hardship and threats of a recession. Couple these extraordinary concerns with all that we carry daily and the weight of this season rests uneasily on our shoulders. It is times like these that help remind us who we are and who we can lean on. All of us here in the national office give thanks for our members across the country and we hold you in thought and prayer during times of difficulty such as now. We know that the bonds we've formed with each other carry us through times of disquiet and uncertainty. I hope you are leaning on the friendships and community you have made because of your involvement in Pax Christi USA and finding ways to be the peace of Christ in the world amidst all that troubles us. 

Below you'll find next week's PSA (Pray-Study-Act) e-bulletin for the upcoming third week of Lent. We hope it strengthens your bonds with family, friends, colleagues and your church community in prayer, study and action. You'll also find  a special Lenten webpage with more resources which we hope will deepen your experience of Lent.  

In solidarity,

Johnny Zokovitch
Executive Director, Pax Christi USA
PRAYER

For calm
by Ted Loder, in Guerillas of Grace

Now,
O God,
calm me into a quietness
that heals
and listens
and molds my longings
and passions,
my wounds
and wonderings
into a more holy
and human
shape.
STUDY

A reflection for the Third Sunday of Lent, March 15
by Sr. Rose Marie Tresp, RSM


"Therefore, the Samaritan woman said to him, "How is it that you being a Jew, ask me for a drink since I am a Samaritan woman?" (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) Jesus answered and said to her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him and he would have given you living water." ~John 4:9-10

The Synod on the Amazon was heavily criticized by some as a threat to the purity of the Church, assuming that the only and preferred model of church is Eurocentric. Criticisms were leveled at the symbols used at the opening ceremony. In particular, the statue of a naked pregnant painted indigenous woman became the focal point of criticism. The statue was variously interpreted as idolatrous or as Our Lady of the Amazon or as the representation of the sacredness of nature.


Jesus, breaking custom and tradition, asks for water from the Samaritan woman. He is willing to receive the most basic symbol of life from a woman rejected by the Jews. ..

ACTION

Sign on to this letter challenging Attorney General Barr at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast:  The National Catholic Prayer Breakfast on March 30th is honoring Attorney General Barr with the  Christifideles Laici Award given to " highlight [one's] good works and those who serve the Church so well". Pax Christi USA believes that many of the actions taken by this Administration and the Attorney General do NOT reflect the concerns of the gospel nor give witness to the life of Jesus. We have signed onto an open letter that expresses "our sorrow and concern regarding AG Barr's cooperation with this Administration's many policies and actions that are at odds with our faith's teachings" and reminds him that "[p]ower and influence should be used to serve those who have been excluded and suffer on the peripheries."

Thanks for making the commitment to pray, study and act for peace with justice this Lent! If you have the means and can make a contribution to help support Pax Christi USA, we'd be grateful! Just click the button above and to the left to give securely and quickly online! Thank you!