CAFOD Lent Prayer and Reflection for 4th Sunday of Lent 2020
‘Go and wash in the pool of Siloam’ (a name that means ‘sent’). So the blind man went off and washed himself, and came away with his sight restored. John 9:7
World Water DayIt seems appropriate that water features in the gospel today, World Water Day.
The man in the story had been blind since birth. With Jesus’ help, washing in the waters of the pool of Siloam restored his sight.
With God’s help, simple actions can have extraordinary results.
American anthropologist Margaret Mead famously said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”
What simple action can I do today that might change the world for at least one person?
Mothering SundayAt times, however, even simple actions become difficult.
Because of poverty and injustice, conflict or the changing climate, mothers in many countries struggle to do what should be simple, like providing clean water for their children.
Can we pray especially for them today, Mothering Sunday, as well as for our own mothers?
Lent prayerLoving God, you are always with me and your care surrounds me like a mother’s love. May I take courage and hope from knowing that I am so valued. Bless today the loving actions of every mother who struggles to provide clean water for her children. Amen.
ActWhy not buy a Healthy mum and baby World Giftfor your mother?

CAFOD Lent Prayer and Reflection for 2ndSunday of Lent 2020
As he prayed, the aspect of his face was changed and his clothing became brilliant as lightning. Matthew 17:2
Jesus takes Peter, John and James up the mountain to pray. There his appearance is transformed. His clothes shine brightly and Moses and Elijah appear in their glory.

Transformed by hope
It can be hard enough in the UK to get a doctor’s appointment. Imagine how much worse it is to access basic healthcare in the poorest countries.

No one should go without the support they need to lead a healthy, happy life. Something has to change. Nobody knows this better than Sister Consilia, who witnesses patients arriving every day at the small hospital in Zimbabwe where she works as a pharmacist.

“In our congregation we work with the poorest of the poor. In Mtora Mission Hospital, those who come to the hospital, they come with a need and they want to be helped.” Positive changes are taking place here. A nutrition garden and a water tank, funded by CAFOD supporters, are now making life easier for women who stay at the hospital in the final stages of their pregnancy.

This Lent let us seek to change our own lives and reach out to our sisters and brothers to change their lives too.

Lent prayer
On International Women’s Day, keep in your prayers all women who are faced with poverty and injustice in our world.
God of light, inspire me to listen to your Son Jesus and to follow his example of love and compassion. Work through me as I try to bring about change in my own life and throughout the world. Amen.
Act
Don’t forget to take your Family Fast Day envelope back to Mass today, or give online.

CAFOD Lent Prayer and Reflection for 1st Sunday of Lent 2020
He fasted for forty days and forty nights, after which he was very hungry...Matthew 4:2
Jesus knew what it was like to go hungry. He fasted in the desert for forty days. There he was tempted by the devil who offered him food, then power and glory, and then the chance to put God to the test. Jesus resisted. We all know a little about feeling hungry. How it can make us feel shaky and weak, lead us to make poor decisions or become emotional.

For some of us, that hunger is temporary. But for many people, hunger is an ever-present concern. A dark shadow looms as they wonder when they will next be able to eat. People like the expectant mothers who come to Mtora Mission Hospital in Zimbabwe. Often those who arrive here are famished. Sister Consilia Munkuli works at the hospital as a pharmacist. She tells us, “Sometimes they would not have enough food to sustain themselves. Some come from home without any food.”

CAFOD has supported the clinic to establish a nutrition garden. Women who need to stay here until they give birth now have maize and vegetables to eat.

Share the hunger of others
As we fast this Lent, following Jesus’ example in the desert, we remember that everything that we have comes from God. As we feel hunger, let us take time to step back and consider how we can help others for whom fasting is not a choice.
Lent prayer
Christ Jesus, you know what it is to feel hungry and alone. Open my eyes to my brothers and sisters who will not eat today, and fill me with compassion, so that I may reach out to them in love. Amen.
Act
This coming Friday is Family Fast Day. Please eat simply and give what you save, so that others can eat too. Be inspired, read more to find ideas and a guide for holding your own simple soup lunch.