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). 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 Saturday, March 25, 2023
by Charlene Howard
~ Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord ~
Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10 | Hebrews 10:4-10 | Luke 1:26-38
“For there is nothing God cannot do …”
Luke 1:37
Jackie Wilson was the first director of the Office of Black Catholics for the Archdiocese of Washington, DC. A woman of great faith, she fearlessly and faithfully lead the office from the mid 1990s to the early 2000s.
During that time she wrote the following:
The greatest miracle ever and the greatest story ever told is that Jesus, to be born of Mary, is the Son of God! The angel announced to a young teenager that she would become pregnant with God’s Son. Can’t you just hear her natural response? “That can’t be possible. Folks will never believe me! Above all, Joseph can’t marry me.” After a little talk with the angel, she bowed to God’s will. “My spirit rejoices in God, my Savior!” Have you ever felt the Holy Spirit compelling you to do something that you and others think is impossible? When I felt that God called me to work as a Church leader, some people thought I was crazy to ruin my career, to take a job that paid so much less money; to work this kind of job with Black Catholics. I was afraid at first, and had all kinds of excuses. With prayer and family support, I accepted the challenge. This is no job. It is a daily “yes” to God’s call. I’m continually blessed. Believe, and praise God, Mary said “Yes.” She is blessed among women!
Jackie’s story reminds me that being a peacemaker also requires a daily “yes” to God. We have to be countercultural and a little crazy to do exactly the opposite of what society, family and our own mind tells us is safe, reliable and steady. It is only by the grace of God, trusting God’s protection and providence over our lives that can we continue to do this work! It is courageous. It is fearless. It is what God requires of us.
Reflection:
- What decisions in your life have you given over to God?
>> 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.