In Lent, eminence and wealth find their true value in dignifying the destitute. Sacrificial love pours out one’s life for the sake of others without counting the cost.  I am reminded of unconditional agape, which imbues us with a spirit of self-sacrifice for the poorest and most marginalized of God’s people.  And so, this spirit of agape brings meaning and purpose to our fasting this Lent.
My beloved MOJ family and HEAL co-missionaries, I come before you as an unworthy servant for the poorest orphans, widows, and the roadside abandoned. Recall when Jesus cried in pain to his Father from the Cross “Eli, Eli, lama Sabachthani,” which means, “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Mt. 27:46).  I often think of how Jesus did not really separate from His father by so crying. Neither did His Father isolate Jesus because of such a cry, since both Father and Son agreed to the Cross.
And so, dear family in the Lord, when you feel abandoned, cry out with Jesus “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?” You are not separating from the Father. And, when our widows and orphans cry out in their trials, “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?” heed them and rush to their aid, for the Father is always with the Son!
Let us do everything to participate in the alarming condition of our suffering brethren. This is Pope Francis’ challenge to us as he shepherds the flock of Christ this Lent. May the cries of the poorest move our hearts and may the Gospel of Christ achieve its objective to bring conversion to our hearts and deepen our hunger for the Good News for all.