Deliver Us, O God

“We cried to the God of our ancestors, and God heard our cry…God brought us out of Egypt with God’s strong hand and outstretched arm.”
Deuteronomy 26:8

These are challenging times. Wars rage across the globe, forcing millions into dangerous journeys in search of safety and a better life. Migrants in our own country face persecution and are returned to perilous conditions. Fires and storms frequently claim lives and property. A new administration is cutting essential aid, displacing thousands of workers, and deepening societal divisions. In the face of such suffering, how do we maintain faith and hope in a loving God? How can we continue to lead lives of love and service when we often feel so powerless?

Each year, we enter this holy season, where our God meets us—a time to pause, quiet our minds, and open our hearts to God’s tender mercy and boundless love. During this season of rebirth and renewal, we are called to surrender all things over to our gracious God. The One who’s armis always extended to deliver us from fear and doubt– strengthening us for the journey.

This year, more than ever, let us come together in prayer- ful openness to God’s message of selfless love and joyful hope. In Word and Eucharist, may we find the grace to recognize that, though the path may be difficult, Christ walks with us, and His ever-present Spirit is always there to guide us on the way.

At the Paulist Center, the richness of our liturgies, the many opportunities for prayer and faith sharing, and especially our commitment to accompanying those preparing for the Easter sacraments, invite us to enter fully into this season of reflection, recommitment, and renewal. Let us be strengthened for the journey, supporting one another in holding onto hope and trusting in the God who has delivered us from bondage and offers us new life through Christ Jesus.

God, Our Refuge and Deliverance

FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT

The reading from Deuteronomy for this Sunday offers a re- assuring message about God’s constant involvement in our lives. As the Israelites prepare to enter the land promised to Abraham and his descendants, Moses gives them instructions on how to live. He reminds them that, in the face of any difficulties, God hears the cries of the people: “We cried to the God of our ancestors, and God heard our cry… God brought us out of Egypt with God’s strong hand and outstretched arm.” God continues to hear our cries as we strive to live faithfully as members of God’s Body, and God continues to extend a strong arm and outstretched hand to support us. Just as Jesus, “filled with the Holy Spirit, was led by that Spirit into the desert” (Luke 4:1-2), we can count on the Spirit to guide us on our journey.

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

In the reading from Genesis, God tells Abraham that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars in the heavens. But how can that be, given that he and his wife are elderly and childless? How can we remain hopeful and faithful in the face of the challenges of our times? It can be tempting to withdraw, to isolate ourselves, as Peter was inclined to do: “Let us make three tents here…” But we must come down from the mountain and, as Paul tells us, “stand firm in the Lord,” ever mindful of the strong arm and outstretched hand that encircle us.

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

Once again, in the first reading, we hear God’s assurance, not just to Moses, but to us: “I have witnessed the affliction of my people… so I know well what they are suffering.” However, Moses does not receive automatic deliverance for himself or his people. He must face Pharaoh; he must lead an ever-rebellious people through difficult terrain; he must continually seek their forgiveness when they stray. Paul reminds us that living in Christ requires a daily com- mitment to follow his Gospel message. It demands speaking out against oppression and injustice, being of service where we can, and living in prayerful faith and hope. And when we fail, as the Israelites often did, we know that, like a loving gardener who waits for the fig tree to bear its fruit, God is patient and always forgiving.

FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT

Having celebrated the Passover—a reminder of God’s saving power—the Israelites embark on a new life, cultivating the land themselves and no longer relying on manna for sus- tenance. As Paul reminds us, we, too, are a new creation, called to reconcile the world to God in Christ, serving as His ambassadors in a world hungry for justice and compassion.  As we enter these final weeks of Lent, let us reflect on our talents and resources and consider how we can use them in service to one another and the wider community. When we struggle or fall short in our efforts to meet the needs of those around us or to heal the divisions that separate us, we trust that God holds us in His sight, embracing us with forgiveness, compassion, and love.

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

“Behold,” says the Lord God in the first reading from Isaiah, “I am doing something new. In the desert, I make a way; in the wasteland, rivers. Do you not perceive it?”  Throughout our lives—and especially during this Lenten journey—God’s mighty arm and outstretched hand have sus- tained us. Now, we arrive at the final Sunday of the season. How far have we come? How have we lived as members of Christ’s Body, following the way He set before us—a way that leads to the cross and, ultimately, to glory? “Although [we] go forth weeping,” sings the psalmist, “[we] shall come back rejoicing…” As we enter the sacred days of Holy Week, let us, like Paul, continue to press forward, embracing whatever challenges lie ahead. And when we falter, we trust that, like the woman brought before Jesus, we will always find compassion and love.

Prayer of the Community

O Christ, we began our Lenten journey with the sign of ashes, reminding us that this is no ordinary walk. Strengthen our desire to be free of all that keeps us from following you – the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  Guide our steps and help us to return to you with our whole being.

IN YOUR MERCIFUL LOVE, HEAR US!

O Christ, division among the political and religious leaders of your day eventually led to your crucifixion. As discord continues to escalate in our world, our country, and our Church, help us to remember that you gave your life for ALL people. Empower us to be your loving presence for one another.

IN YOUR MERCIFUL LOVE, HEAR US!

O Christ, at the Last Supper you washed the feet of your disciples and instructed them to go and do likewise. Help us to be your loving hands, serving all those in need with humility and joy.

IN YOUR MERCIFUL LOVE, HEAR US!

O Christ, who in Gethsemane faced your approaching passion and death alone, be with those suffering from physical or mental illness, anxiety, fear, grief, hunger, and poverty, especially those who suffer alone. Equip us to be your balm of compassion, healing, and love.

IN YOUR MERCIFUL LOVE, HEAR US!

O Christ, who died that we may have life, bind up the wounds of your broken world. Strengthen us to be conduits of your grace and mercy and vessels of your light and peace.

IN YOUR MERCIFUL LOVE, HEAR US!

O Christ, as we move one step closer to the promise of your light, help us to see that suffering and death are never the end, but the way to the fullness of life in you. With your help, may we find new meaning in the Easter that awaits us all.

AMEN.