Lent reflection for 12 March

The prophet Jeremiah experienced violent resistance as he preached God’s word, suffering imprisonment, threats and abuse. Jesus, too, encounters hostility; in today’s gospel he is even accused of aligning himself with evil.

Today we remember the courage of Blessed Rutilio Grande in the face of opposition. On this day in 1977, the Jesuit priest was driving to a local church in El Salvador to celebrate a novena, when he was ambushed.

His vehicle was sprayed with bullets by the death squads of the Salvadoran security forces. He was killed instantly, along with his sacristan, the 72-year old Manuel Solórzano, and teenage helper, Nelson Rutilio Lemus. All three men have been recognised as martyrs and beatified by the Church.

Around a month earlier, on 13 February, Fr Rutilio had preached the homily that may well have cost him his life. Speaking in honour of Fr Mario Bernal, a Colombian-born priest who had been arrested and deported, he stated:

“I’m quite aware that very soon the Bible and the gospel won’t be allowed to cross the border. All that will reach us will be the covers, since all the pages are subversive. And I think if Jesus himself came across the border at Chalatenango, they wouldn’t let him in… they would undoubtedly crucify him again.”

This Lent, let’s try to listen attentively to God’s voice and find ways to support those who face opposition and violence as they call for justice and seek to protect our common home.

Prayer

Loving God,
we pray for all who face opposition 
as they stand up for what is right.
May Blessed Rutilio’s witness
inspire us all to work for justice.
Amen.

Act

The LiveSimply award is an opportunity for Catholic communities – parishes, schools, Religious orders and chaplaincies – to answer the call to care for our common home and stand in solidarity with our sisters and brothers around the world. Find out how you can take part.