Children perform for Pope Francis as he meets with migrants in the diocesan Caritas center in Rabat, Morocco, March 30, 2019. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)
OFFICE FOR SOCIAL MINISTRY
“Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:7-8)
This final week of Lent is a time to reflect on these words of St. Paul to the Philippians. Jesus emptied himself for us; how might we empty ourselves for others? Our Lenten prayers, fasting and almsgiving have prepared us to wrestle with this question.
Lent has been a time to deepen our faith by focusing on how vulnerability can bring us closer to God and our neighbor. By prayer, fasting and acts of mercy, Lent helped us understand our own vulnerability and limitations, the vulnerability of our families, communities and the vulnerability of our fragile, fractured world. Lent leads us to the Paschal mystery of shared vulnerability transformed.
Pope Francis spoke of shared vulnerability when he met with migrants during his recent historic visit to Morocco. “Dear migrant friends, the church is aware of the sufferings that accompany your journey and she suffers with you. In reaching out to you in your very different situations, she is concerned to remind you that God wants us all to live our lives to the full. The church wants to be at your side to help you achieve the very best for your life. For every human being has the right to life, every person has the right to dream and to find his or her rightful place in our common home! Every person has a right to the future … for Christians, it is not just about migrants, for it is Christ himself who knocks on our doors.”
Pope Francis greets children as he arrives for a meeting with migrants in the diocesan Caritas center in Rabat, Morocco, March 30, 2019. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)
During Lent we have been sharing the journey of vulnerable migrants and refugees around the world through CRS Rice Bowl “Stories of Hope.” Holy Week deepens our experience of shared vulnerability transformed by focusing on the journey of Jesus’ passion from Palm Sunday through Holy Thursday and Good Friday to Easter Sunday.
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, one of the most significant moments of the church year. During this week, we journey with Christ from his humble entry into Jerusalem to his final meal with his closest friends and ultimately to his death on the cross. As we walk with Jesus through Holy Week, we call to mind the countless men, women and children who even today carry heavy crosses: crosses of hunger, of homelessness, of a lack of resources or security. In these brothers and sisters we encounter Christ, Christ who continues to walk that long road to Calvary that ultimately leads to Easter Sunday.
Jesus’ Way of the Cross is preceded by a Holy Thursday celebration of the Eucharist which calls and nourishes us to serve with the vulnerable. Then Good Friday shows us God loves us so much that he takes on the full human vulnerability of suffering and death which Christ transforms through forgiveness into a new resurrected life of hope and joy at Easter.
We must always remember that Holy Week gives way to Easter; the fast turns into a feast. God wins the day. As we prepare to celebrate Easter joy, it is our responsibility as members of God’s one human family to share that joy with everyone, near and far.
As Christians, we are called to be Easter people, transforming our shared vulnerability through forgiveness into a hopeful, even joyful, life that nourishes ourselves and others. Through the hope and joy of Easter, may you experience how God is always present to transform vulnerability into a gift that draws us closer to him and to each other.
Alleluia, Christ is Risen! Alleluia!
Mahalo,
Your friends at the Office for Social Ministry
PS: Please remember to turn in your CRS Rice Bowls to your parish before the end of Holy Week.
