The situation in Ukraine and what is happening to the people is very much to the forefront
of our thoughts and prayers at this time as it is for Pope Francis. He is encouraging us to have
a real focus of prayer and fasting for peace this coming Ash Wednesday.
There have been many posts calling for prayers on Facebook and I draw your attention to one of them. The picture of Mary protecting the people of Ukraine under her mantle featured here. As a Marist, this is such a moving image. The people of Ukraine do not deserve the horror and aggression they are experiencing. Mary is always on the side of the poor, the oppressed and downtrodden.
Today's Gospel taken from Luke 6:39-45 is extremely telling when it comes to dictators and aggressors who advocate war and violence to achieve their goals. 'For every tree can be told by its own fruit...…a good man draws what is good from the store of goodness in his heart: a bad man draws what is bad from the store of badness. For a man's words flow out of what fills his heart.' Tragically the fruit of this conflict is innocent lives lost, people uprooted and senseless destruction.
I have chosen 'Mary, Mother of the Poor' track 13 from 'Serenity' for our song reflection this week. We call on Mary's prayer and intercession for the people of Ukraine.