From Sister Jo Ann Timmerman, OP, Promoter of Spirituality

Once again we approach the Season of Lent. I am reminded of the song, “The Lord Hears the Cry of the Poor.” With the disaster of the earthquake in Haiti, we are faced with the mystery . . . “Who hears the cry of the poor?” True, people from many countries have and continue to reach out in so many ways. Grace is abounding in the responses of food, water, vehicles, and medical aid. But deeper questions prod my mind. How is it there are so many poor in Haiti? What are the systemic issues that hold us in our sin? Let us pray:

Holy and ever-loving God, We stand before you ready to begin this journey. Maybe this time, this year we will hear with images of Haiti permeating our memory. Awaken us to the systemic issues we participate in, which hold and solidify poverty. Break our hearts out of the casts that contain our comforts. We pray for mercy and your healing grace. Amen.