From Catholic Charities USA <[email protected]>
Subject 2023 CCUSA Lent Reflection - March 25
Date March 25, 2023 9:00 AM
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Catholic Charities USA


Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

Today's Lectionary Readings
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Today we celebrate the Annunciation of the Lord, a day which changed
the course of human history, and a day that's very special in my
life.  Human history was altered because Mary's YES to
God's plan enabled our God to come and live among us; certainly
that makes it special.  But it's extra special to me as 33
years ago today my youngest daughter Lauren was born.

When the angel Gabriel came to Mary with God's plan, she had
every right to be overwhelmed.  Certainly, it wasn't what
she was expecting.  She was troubled and didn't quite
understand how things were going to work.  It's not that
different from responding to flash floods or hurricanes, preparing for
an onslaught of Afghani refugees on top of our regular work, or
dealing with a spike in homelessness when affordable housing is
virtually non-existent. She asked questions, she pondered the
possibilities, and then she made a decision to trust God and his plan,
memorialized by her fiat - "I am the handmaid of the Lord,
may it be done to me according to your word."  Mary's
trust enabled her to go "all in."

My birthday girl Lauren went to the University of Dayton, founded by
the Marianist Brothers.  She told me once, "Dad, just like
Mary, we're all called to be Christ-bearers to the
world."  I had never thought of it in those terms. 
Each of us is called to use our unique gifts to bring God's love
to the streets.  The many ministries of Catholic Charities give
us the opportunity to embrace that challenge.  They put us on the
front lines, in the "field hospital," face-to-face with
the vulnerable and voiceless.  Our work allows us to witness to
the dignity and worth of those we serve and to change the course of
many lives, one relationship at a time.

Let's strive to see with God's eyes as we look at
what's in front of us.  Let's ask questions -
let's ponder the possibilities - but then let's ask what
he's calling us to do to bring his love into the world. 
And then, like Mary, let's trust and say, "I am the
handmaid of the Lord, may it be done to me according to your
word."

Deacon Scott Haner is a permanent Deacon for St. Patrick parish in
Louisville, KY.  He has served on the Boards of Catholic
Charities of Louisville, the Society of St. Vincent DePaul, Louisville
Council, and is active in several mission projects.

                  
This and other Catholic Charities USA reflections may be viewed here.
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