Reflection by Fr. John

In the past several weeks, we have contemplated one of the primary pillars of the Lenten Season, the use of prayer. Being able to talk to God through prayer is seen as critical in dealing with many of our areas of human functioning in our relationship with the Lord and with others. Prayer is a powerful instrument that we use in transforming our lives especially in light of pain and suffering. Most people that have a formal religion at the center of their lives turn to God in prayer and engage in dialogue. 
 
In his book, The Examen Prayer: Ignatian Wisdom for Our Lives Today, Fr. Timothy Gallagher, a noted author on prayer and spirituality, stated “growth in relationship with God occurs through mutual self-revelation.” This statement is important about prayer, and about our dialogue with the Divine. Jesus prayed to His Father in heaven throughout His mission on earth. Jesus taught us and encouraged us on how to pray.  Jesus did not follow a clearly outlined plan – but, for Himself, He prayed constantly. Whenever He had to make a significant decision, before entering into a difficult or critical journey, before meals, before miracles, before He had healed  others, while He Himself was suffering  during a loss of someone He loved (Lazarus), and while anticipating and     experiencing His passion, He prayed. We should take on the heart and mind of Christ connected to God through prayer as we deal with the challenges of life.
 
As we pray for healing, we pray for peace, we pray for cures, we pray for a loved one to be well, we pray. But in all this prayer, what happens?  Jesus tells us the answer -- faith and prayer are vital:  “It is your faith that has healed you; your faith is your salvation.” Patrick Collins describes our prayer as “soul breathing,” allowing us to sustain life (Prayer in Practice, 2007).
 
The Lord is the giver of life and recreates us in His love and goodness when we or someone or some group is suffering or in need of healing. We can take great comfort in knowing that Jesus walked on earth and that his response to our broken world is compassion (Matthew 14:14).  He knows the weakness of our bodies, and He, too, experienced the reality of pain and suffering. During this Lenten Season, we embrace the reality that He conquered all suffering, all pain, death and the grave. By His giving of self, by His stripes, we are healed (Isaiah 53:5), and He gives us hope and there is Hope in His name.
 
On Friday, March 25, 2022, we remembered and celebrated the Solemnity of the Annunciation of Our Lord which brings Hope to all humankind, the Hope of healing and Hope of peace. On this date, Pope Francis requested that he, with all the Bishops of the world, were to perform an Act of Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary for peace and healing. The Act of Consecration was completed in communion with the local Churches throughout the world. The Pope has asked for an increase of prayers for peace in more recent times. And, at the general audience on February 23^rd, he had called for a day of prayer and fasting on Ash Wednesday for peace in Ukraine, saying, “May the Queen of Peace preserve the world from the madness of war” (Vatican News).
 
During this Lenten season, our linked parish Catholic communities in Olean, have increased our prayers for peace and healing for those suffering during this Lenten Season. We have responded by uniting with the whole church by joining in the prayers offered for peace and healing on March 25th at our 8:00 am Mass at St. John’s and the 12:15 Mass at the Basilica on the Solemnity of the     Annunciation.

I, as your pastor, joined our Bishop and many priests of the Diocese at St. Joseph Cathedral at 12:10 on this blessed day to join in the Act of Consecration. Also on this day, we had spread the word for all to join in a day of fasting and prayer similar to that we had accomplished on Ash Wednesday in  reparation of the sins of war and atrocities committed by Russia in the senseless killing of many that is an egregious affront against the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary during this time of human history.
 
These are critical times that we, as a Christian people, embracing the love of Our Lord, join together in the solidarity of our brothers and sisters and the leadership of the Church, to pray for peace, healing and to offer us hope. In doing so, we will also have a Retreat for God’s Healing Touch next week beginning on Thursday, March 31^st concluding on Saturday, April 2^nd. Please see the schedule printed to the right and mark your calendars as we come together for healing, peace and to experience and help bring about God’s infinite compassion and love as a Olean Catholic community of faith.

Fr. John