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Reflection
Just to the east of Cuba and Jamaica, in the Caribbean sea lies the island of Hispaniola. This island is home to the Dominican Republic, site of tropical vacations for many Canadians and others who seek beeches and sun worshiping especially during the often cold winter months. It is also home to Haiti, one of the poorest nations on earth. Haiti has a land mass of 10,700 square miles, much of which is covered by mountains. Twenty percent of Haiti is less than 600 feet above Sea level (we're at 1140 feet here in Sudbury), but the vast majority of Haiti is well above that level. In fact the highest of the mountains there reaches more than 9000 feet above sea level.
This week, life changed for many in Haiti. As if the extreme poverty were not enough of a crushing blow, the massive earthquake that levelled much of the capital city and surrounding areas this week has added even more desolation to an already suffering nation. Reports of the damage have spread throughout the world, and response from various parts of the world has been swift (1 Cor 12:4-6) in an effort to help these suffering souls to re-establish some semblance of order.
Even as we see images of the destruction, and hear about those who have died, most of us are lucky enough to be physically removed from the situation, but all of us are affected by the tragedy. These people are our brothers and sisters. They have lost their homes, their loved ones, their friends. Father Frederico Lombardi, Director of the Vatican Press Office remarked this week that 'the outpouring of love expressed in solidarity is perhaps the only possible consolation for the catastrophe in Haiti ...'
The gospel's telling of the wedding at Cana presents yet another 'impossible situation'. To have no wine at a wedding would have been a major embarrassment to the hosts, and perhaps be perceived as an insult to the invited guests, but Mary trusted that her son could and would find a solution (Jn 2:1-5). Like Mary, many are working behind the scenes to help the people of Haiti to find a way out of this suffering. Even we can do our part. Just yesterday, Bishop Plouffe issued instructions for special collections to be gathered this weekend and next weekend so that we can do our part to help. Therefore a second collection will take place after communion at all masses this weekend and next. Proceeds from these second collections will be forwarded immediately to those who can put this money to the best use to bring help to Haitians in need. If you would like a receipt for your contribution, simply provide your envelope number, or your name, and address including your postal code with your contribution. We'll take care of the rest.
In today's first reading Isaiah shouts his conviction that for the sake of Zion and Jerusalem he cannot be silent, he cannot rest until her vindication shines forth (Is 62:1). As we read these words today, do they not speak to us also of our duty to cry out for those who are unable to speak for themselves: to be living signs of God's love and care for the people of Haiti, for the forgotten of our society, for those who need to know that in times of trial, they have not been abandoned. In fact God carries them in His arms; He surrounds them with his love and with angels who care for them.
