Week of Ash Wednesday
ASH WEDNESDAY
Jl 2:12-18; 2 Cor 5:20-6:2; Mt 6:1-6, 16-18
In an acceptable time I heard you, and on the day of salvation I helped you.
-- 2 Cor 5:20,6:1-2
Fr. Hermann Heriveaux is the pastor of our twin parish in Cabestor. In
his hands is the care of thousands of people in this remote valley in
Central Haiti. God has chosen well. Fr. Hermann loves his people and he
tirelessly listens daily to the pleas of many very poor people. They
say, I'm hungry, I need money, my child is sick. Usually I don't have what they ask for. In Haiti there is no money, there is not enough food,
he explains.
They keep coming, but I tell them I can't provide those things. I remind
them to look to God for help. They come to Mass, and they always keep
faith in God because they know food and money aren't what they most
need. They need the love of God, and they know God cares for them and
their children.
PRAYER: Father, today we remind ourselves that we are nothing without you. But with you we find meaning in our lives. Help us have the strength of faith that our Haitian sisters and brothers have. We remember that you provide us with everything we need. Help us receive every grace with thanksgiving and the desire to share it with others in need. Amen.
THURSDAY
Dt 30:15-20; Lk 9:22-25
If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
-- Lk 9:23
Montas Reve is an elder of the community. A lifetime of labor shows in his slowed gait, but he's very active. Montas enjoys greeting people who come for Mass. His face is so kind and familiar that people seem not to notice its severe disfigurement from cancer. Montas loves Scripture. On Sundays after Mass the youngest children in the parish gather around him and he reads them Bible stories.
PRAYER: Lord, we pray for Montas this day. As he rises each morning he opens his eyes to you first and you strengthen him for whatever lies ahead. May we follow his example of accepting the life you've given him with joy and gratitude. May we put our own cares aside and welcome each person we meet in such a way that they know they are important and loved. Amen.
FRIDAY
Is 58:1-9a; Mt 9:14-15
Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The day will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.
-- Mt 9:15
Lukin Christian, age 10, goes to Sacre Coeur School. At school he senses God with him. He likes to play soccer and is glad school provides a good meal. He also is happy helping his family. He has 9 brothers and sisters. His daily chore is taking the cattle to pasture. But sometimes things are difficult. He says, My mother and dad help me go to school, but my mother is sick. The hurricane year before last washed away everything we had -- including the garden where we raise much of our food, so since then we are living by God's grace only. When I finish school I hope to get a job to help my family.
PRAYER: Gracious God, please bless Lukin's family so they know your presence everyday. Help them continue to support and love each other. Strengthen them in facing hard times together. We pray for renewal of their garden and their health. Help the children to be diligent in their schoolwork and improve life in their family and community. Amen.
SATURDAY
Is 58:9b-14; Lk 5:27-32
Jesus said to them in reply, 'I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.'
-- Mt 9:15
The Haitian people are no less sinners than we are. We have that in common as human beings. We share the need for Christ and he opens himself to us when we turn to him for forgiveness. Fr. Hermann often hears confession outside under the trees. The faithful stand in line in the shade and feel a gentle, comforting breeze as they wait to be reconciled with God.
PRAYER: Lord, joined in Christ we are sorry for the times we have failed you. We pray for our friends in Cabestor as they seek your mercy as well. Please forgive us as brothers and sisters when we fail each other and so hurt our community. By being more aware of our twin parish and the great need among the people there, help us recommit ourselves to turn away from selfishness and better serve each other in love. Amen.