We now find ourselves firmly in the season of Lent. There is so much in the world that cries out for forgiveness, as we are reminded of great and overriding evils that appear, especially in Ukraine. While we deplore the senseless violence, and pray earnestly for peace, we are faced with our own helplessness in the face of such evil and horror. In his Sunday address this past week, Pope Francis said: 'Rivers of blood and tears are flowing in Ukraine. This is not just a military operation but a war which is sowing death, destruction and misery. He said of the conflict: 'True happiness and freedom do not lie in possessing, but in sharing, not taking advantage of others but in loving them, not in the obsession of power, but in the joy of service.
May each one of us strive to find ways to share, and not want only for ourselves. May we each find ways to love, and not ways to exploit. May we each find ways to serve, and not quest for power. May this Lent be a source of renewal for each of us, leading us to know the power of redemption, and the importance of the Cross in our own lives. May we pray fervently for peace, and pray that God will lead all to the ways of peace, and not war.
If you want a way to honor life, you may consider joining the Connecticut Right to Life March, to be held in Hartford on March 22, 2022. Information may be found at the link https://marchforlife.org/connecticut-march-for-life/. In whatever way you can, may your voice be raised in favor of life, in favor of peace, in favor of all that is good. Our loving God has created all of us to be good, may all of our choices lead us to seek the good, to find the good, and bring the peace that is found in Christ to all we meet.