Dear Friends,

Welcome to the third stop on our Listen for Lent Journey, which encourages each of us to take pause and listen for the prophetic voices around us on different themes at the heart of Pax Christi's mission. This week we invite you to meditate on solidarity.

In the present condition of global society, where injustices abound and growing numbers of people are deprived of basic human rights and considered expendable, the principle of the common good immediately becomes, logically and inevitably, a summons to solidarity and a preferential option for the poorest of our brothers and sisters. (Pope Francis, On Care for Our Common Home [Laudato Si'], no. 158)

Solidarity must be driven by the quest for justice and peace, and it cannot be just an expression of support and sympathy. It has to be a lifelong practice; a long-term commitment to breaking cycles of violence and changing unjust systems.

God is still speaking solidarity, will you listen?
Sunday's reflection by Sister Teresia Wamũyũ Wachira (IBVM)
Reflecting on the chosen readings of today, we encounter God who is merciful and kind and “secures justice and the rights of all the oppressed” (Psalm, 103). Witnessing the continuing war in Ukraine and violent conflicts in other parts of our global world, let us listen to God’s comforting words: “I have witnessed the affliction of my people… and I have heard their cry of complaint against [the oppressors]… I know well what they are suffering. Therefore, I have come down to rescue them from the hands of [the oppressors]” (Ex; 3:7-8). In today’s Gospel too, Jesus reminds us of our own vulnerabilities and need to repent and change our evil ways. Through the parable of the barren fig tree we are reminded of the importance of patience, nurturance and giving others a second chance (Luke; 13; 1-9).
Therefore, let us ask for forgiveness for the times we have…
… failed to protect and nurture our brothers and sisters and our common home…
… abetted in any way injustice and oppression through our silence and ‘sin of omission’ (‘for what I have failed to do’)…
… refused to ‘remove our shoes’ as we approach all humanity and our common home - God’s holy ground…
… imposed our footprints to oppress and stifle people and the whole of creation…
… turned a blind eye to embracing our solidarity as God’s children…
Lord! give us a second chance… Amen.
Join us next week for the fourth stop!