Readings
Second Chronicles 36: 14-16, 19-23
Psalm 137:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6
Ephesians 2:4-10
John 3:14-21
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.
― John 3:16
God’s love for humanity and our interconnectedness
By Patricia Walsh Warren, Animator for Newfoundland and Labrador
Lent is a time of reflection, penance and spiritual discipline. If we spend time in reflection, thinking seriously about our journey through life, we may discern errors in the ways we have journeyed in the past. This may lead us to seek penance for our erroneous actions. This process creates in us the disciplined approach needed for deepening our own faith and personal spirituality.
In Laudate Deum, Pope Francis reminds us that “Everything is connected.” During Lent, we reflect not only upon our own life and journey but also our interconnectedness with the world and the people in it. Pope Francis goes on to say, “No one is saved alone.” This means that we all have a role to play in ensuring that the human and environmental rights of all who live in God’s world are fully respected.
Today, we find ourselves at the fourth Sunday of Lent, over halfway through our Lenten journey of reflection, penance and spiritual discipline. Today’s readings remind us of the importance of living out our faith through good works and service to others. We are called to be witnesses to the love of Christ in the world, to reflect His light and to share His message of hope with all whom we encounter. We are called to action, to play the role that Pope Francis says we all have in saving each other.
In Bolivia, that call to action has been heeded by Fundación NUNA, a Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada partner organization. NUNA contributes to the economic, political, social and cultural development of the communities it serves, building fair and equitable relationships to preserve life and nature.
Bolivia is very vulnerable to climate change. In the northern mountainous region, imbalances in the microclimate of the Lake Titicaca ecosystem are causing both abnormally heavy rainfall and long periods of drought and cold. Fundación NUNA is helping Indigenous and peasant communities in the region cope with these changes.
With our support and thanks to the generosity of people like you, NUNA accompanies local farmers in adapting their farming practices with land management and water conservation methods so that they can secure their food sovereignty. Participants benefit from continuous learning through experience exchanges in their field laboratory. Thus far, 779 people have participated in agriculture, livestock-rearing and food processing projects. A true example of how we are all connected and share in caring for all of humanity and creation.
In this Lenten season, let us take time to reflect on the profound love that God has for all of humanity and share in it with Him. Let us feel the connection we have with everyone in the world. May we renew our commitment to live out our faith through works of love and service, like the work of Fundación NUNA, sharing the good news of the Gospel with all those around us.
