Throughout the Lenten season, we will post reflections for holy days and Sundays from both this year’s Lenten reflection booklet, Witnesses on the way, which includes all-new reflections written by National Council Chair Charlene Howard and her husband Michael Howard (and daily reflections from newly-named Ambassadors of Peace) and from previously published Lenten booklets. Click here to see all reflections as they are posted as well as links to other Lenten resources on our Lent 2023 webpage.
You can still purchase and download this year’s e-booklet, Witnesses on the way: Reflections for Lent 2023. Read more at this link or click here to order and download now.
REFLECTION FOR Sunday, March 26, 2023
by Michael Howard
Ezekiel 37:12-14 | Romans 8:8-11 | John 11:1-45
So Jesus said to them, “Untie him and let him go.”
John 11:44
History indicates that two epidemics occurred, yellow fever and cholera, in New York in the late 1700s and 1800s. Further research revealed how these epidemics impacted the city. There are photos in New York’s archives picturing people masked, similar to the images experienced today due to COVID-19. I cringed when contemplating their lifestyle.
1766-1853
History also shows that during this horrific period in New York, Pierre Toussaint, a Haitian, sought ways to help his community. Although born enslaved in Haiti, he gained freedom as a successful entrepreneur when his owners moved to New York. However, what is essential here is to recognize Toussaint’s works of mercy and charity during New York’s historical pandemic. During his virtuous life, Toussaint supported the sick, bandaged the wounded, and accommodated strangers. Toussaint’s sacred bones rest in St. Patrick’s Cathedral in midtown Manhattan. He is the only layperson in that cathedral, alongside the former Cardinal-Archbishops of New York City. One must be honorable to be in St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Pierre Toussaint is now known as Venerable Pierre Toussaint. Why?
Toussaint’s life exemplified the profound words of Jesus in John’s gospel narrative of “Lazarus in the Tomb.” The scriptures never articulate what caused Lazarus’ death. Martha and Mary only conveyed that their brother had died. However, Jesus encountered resistance when telling them to remove the stone. “Lord, by now there will be a stench; he has been dead for four days” (John 11:39). When they moved the stone, Jesus identified the person in the grave who needed healing and said, “Untie him and let him go.”
The Venerable Pierre Toussaint is joining a host of saints who ministered to the sick, dying, and needy in their lifetime. He was one of the ones who removed the stone and the stained, smelly bandages to help the wounded go free during a pandemic. There is a “balm in Gilead” to make the wounded whole.
Reflection
- Who will you help remove the stones of despair from their lives?
>> Join the Pax Christi USA community on Monday, March 27, for the fifth in our weekly series of Lenten prayer services over Zoom. Click here for more information and to register
>> Click here to see more resources for prayer, study and action this Lenten season.