March 2022

Unprovoked war? Ongoing pandemic? Irreversible climate change? Increasing homelessness, violence and addiction? This Lent begins with menacing global and local darkness.

Living in Arizona, the reminder “the LORD will guide you always and give you plenty even on the parched land” is tacit as we anticipate an alarmingly hot summer. Despite troubles, “He will renew your strength, and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring whose water never fails.” We are co-laborers in His work. This Lent let’s pray for and encourage one another.

In the responsorial Psalm hear the voices of refugees, civilians, military and every living creature crying out impacted by the current unprovoked war, “Incline your ear, O LORD; answer me, for I am afflicted and poor. Keep my life, …save your servant who trusts in you.” Read and reread these pleas. Listen to the voices on the margins suffering. Pray. Prepare to act.

When darkness overwhelms our own desires for patience and mercy, God reiterates, “I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, but rather in his conversion, that he may live.” As we enter this Lenten season, may we join our Savior as wounded healers because “those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do.” Knowing the goodness of our LORD, may we leave everything behind and follow Him.

Malissa Geer serves as Sr. Director of Community, Faith and Volunteer Engagement for Catholic Charities Community Services in the Diocese of Phoenix. Her team focuses on securing volunteer, in-kind and partnership resources for their mission work to serve the most vulnerable with solutions that permanently improve lives. She enjoys community development, reading, teaching, supporting dreams, and loving God and people – especially her husband Bryan and daughters Elliot (20) and Aldyn (18).