February 25, 2010
Thursday of the First Week in Lent
Be mindful of us, O Lord. Manifest yourself in the time of our distress and give me courage, King of gods and Ruler of every power. Put in my mouth persuasive words in the presence of the lion, and turn his heart to hatred for our enemy, so that he and those who are in league with him may perish. Save us by your power, and help me, who am alone and have no one but you, O Lord. Esther C:23-25
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened…If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him.” Matthew 7:7-8, 11
Piety
I thank you, LORD, with all my heart; before the gods to you I sing.
I bow low toward your holy temple; I praise your name for your fidelity and love. For you have exalted over all your name and your promise.
When I cried out, you answered; you strengthened my spirit.
All the kings of earth will praise you, LORD, when they hear the words of your mouth.
They will sing of the ways of the LORD: "How great is the glory of the LORD!"
The LORD is on high, but cares for the lowly and knows the proud from afar.
Though I walk in the midst of dangers, you guard my life when my enemies rage. You stretch out your hand; your right hand saves me.
The LORD is with me to the end. LORD, your love endures forever. Never forsake the work of your hands! Psalm 138:2-8
Study
Have you ever been bashful or shy? Sometimes, we just are reluctant to approach a total stranger and ask for help. However, we would not hesitate to ask our friends something we would not share with a stranger.
The Lord is imploring us, if we want something, to turn to him. However, if there is no underlying friendship and relationship, we will have a harder time putting our needs before the Lord. No matter what we may have done in the past, the Lord wants us to be his friend, to walk with him and to serve his family.
Yesterday, we encountered the Lord when he was upset with the people of Ninevah. He sent his servant Jonah to convert these people to his ways. Even though the Lord was going to bring the full force of his wrath upon these people, when they changed, the Lord changed as well.
The act of forgiveness or reconciliation changes both parties. But the Lord wants us to start the conversation with him. Ask. Seek. Knock. He implores us to turn from whatever pursuits in which we are engaged and to get engaged with the Lord instead. When we do, He will care for us, guard us and protect us. Esther’s prayers will be answered.
Action
http://ncronline.org/news/global/forgiving-haitis-debt-called-key-recovery
Forgiving Haiti's debt called key to recovery
Feb. 15, 2010
By Dennis Coday
(National Catholic Reporter)
Obstacles on Haiti’s road to recovery were removed in early February as major players in the international financial system took up the cause of canceling Haiti’s $890 million international debt.
The most significant breakthrough came Feb. 5 when the U.S. Treasury Department announced that the United States would work with its partners around the world to relieve all debts owed by Haiti to international institutions.
Let us urge our political leaders to ensure that Haiti’s reconstruction and recovery will be financed with grants and not new loaned to create a new mountain of debt.
