Yesterday was March 25th, 9 months before Christmas Day, and we celebrated the feast of the Annunciation: “The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary” and she conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit. That was the world’s most stupendous event, God became man. He was born into the womb of Mary; this was the real birth day of Jesus. But this year was also another “rare” event: the people of the world prayed together.
A few years ago, a young girl was talking to me about Christmas and presents, when I asked her: What could you give Jesus on His birthday which would really surprise and delight Him, a surprise birthday present?” She pondered that. I recalled that conversation as yesterday the pope led a penance service, asking God’s forgiveness and mercy for our sins, and then --- in union with broadcasts and special prayer services at that hour around the world --- the pope and all the people asked God for forgiveness and mercy, and consecrated Russia and the Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, for her to watch over them even as a mother does her children. The whole world pled for mercy! I think God was pleasantly surprised at that event. He has never seen anything like that from this generation, and I’m sure it was a welcome birth day present
This Sunday’s Gospel (tomorrow) is the one where the Prodigal Son wastes his father’s gifts, ignores him, and then when he is starving comes home begging for His father’s mercy. And the father hugs him and throws a party. Yesterday, I think the pleaders for mercy around the world acted like the Prodigal Son, we’ve been so far away from the things Our Father taught us, and we’ve ignored Him. I think God was surprised at the world’s attention and action yesterday, and it made Him happy. I don’t expect Him to throw a party, but I hope for mercy and peace.
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