Recently I was reading the Gospel passage about Lazarus and the rich man. (Lk 16:19-31)  The rich man, who is nameless, either doesn’t  see Lazarus in his need or choses just to ignore him.

As Vincentians we would probably say, “That wouldn’t be me. Surely my Vincentian heart would reach out to Lazarus.”  Hopefully it would!

But Lent 2026 is turning out to be a challenging time for our world. As we sit comfortably and safely in our homes and surroundings, we are aware of our sisters and brothers in the Middle East, Ukraine, Gaza and many other countries who are experiencing war and conflict. Many will have already experienced their Calvary through the death of a loved one. Many are walking their own way of the cross as the try to flee violence, knowing they have lost everything they have spent their lives working for.

These wars don’t really affect most of us direcly except in the price of petrol or gas. We see pictures on the News, but it isn’t happening on our street, and we can get on with living and working as normal.

Perhaps this Lent we can offer our sisters and brothers who live in  any form of conflict, our prayers, trying to understand the pain and fear they might be going through. We remember  too the Conference members who will be supporting them as together they walk their ‘ way of the cross’.

May Christ, the Prince of Peace lead us all into paths of peace.

Blessings,
Sr Maria x