We are already into the second week of Lent. While the three pillars of Lent – Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving are our guideposts during this 40-day journey, prayer holds a very special place as we repent and seek renewal. It was almost exactly one year ago that we were looking forward to a pilgrimage to the Holy Land at this time.
Unfortunately, the tragic events of October 7, 2023 and ongoing violence forced a postponement. We cannot underestimate the gravity of the situation in the Holy Land.
Hope is needed more than ever. While the attacks and counter attacks happened on October 7, 2023, causing so many deaths and losses, there have been and are so many catastrophic consequences.
It is not enough to say our hearts are broken by the suffering we are witnessing. The anguish is unthinkable. Let us hope and pray for an end to the violence, not only in the Holy Land but in Ukraine and other areas in conflict throughout the world.
Let us pray that the leadership of these countries be lead to and come to peaceful resolutions as quickly as possible. Let our prayers be a source of strength and hope. Prayer is something we can do every day. Here is a prayer that I found to be fitting for this time:
God of hope, we turn to You amid this turmoil, seeking the hope, joy, and peace the Holy Spirt can provide. Your Word reminds us that You will wipe away every tear and put an end to all sorrow and pain. We pray that, even in the midst of uncertainty, hope shines brightly in the hearts of all affected by this crisis, through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
God Bless You all,
Msgr. Tom
