Collect Fourth Sunday Lent -Laetare Sunday

WHAT IS LAETARE SUNDAY?

The Mass Collect Prayer Year C Icon

The Collect for the 4th Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday) is as follows:

O God, who through Your Word

reconcile the human race to Yourself in a wonderful way,

grant, we pray,

that with prompt devotion and eager faith

the Christian people may hasten

 toward the solemn celebrations to come. 

  REFLECTION QUESTIONS                                        

In making this prayer tangible for during the week, the following reflections questions emerged:

1. What value do I place in my life of Christ's death and resurrection?
2. What does it mean to me to be a catholic/ Christian?
3.  What is my level of devotion and faith? How will I improve it this coming week?
4.  How will I celebrate the solemn celebrations this year?
5.  Am I eager to celebrate resurrection at Easter or do I think of it as just another feast?
6.  What steps will I take to be reconciled to God this week ( eg Sacrament of Reconciliation).

GOSPEL REFLECTION

The Prodigal Son

The Gospel is from St. Luke 15:1-3, 11-32. This reading recounts the parable of the Prodigal Son, one of Jesus' most beautiful parables. It teaches us once more that God is a kind and understanding Father. The son who asks for his part of the inheritance is a symbol of the person who cuts himself off from God through sin. "Although the word 'mercy' does not appear, [this parable] nevertheless expresses the essence of the divine mercy in a particularly clear way" (John Paul II, Dives in misericordia, 5).

Mercy as Christ has presented it in the parable of the prodigal son — has the interior form of the love that in the New Testament is called agape. This love is able to reach down to every prodigal son, to every human misery, and above all to every form of moral misery, to sin. When this happens, the person who is the object of mercy does not feel humiliated, but rather found again and 'restored to value'. The father first and foremost expresses to him his joy, that he has been 'found again' and that he has 'returned to life'. This joy indicates a good that has remained intact: even if he is a prodigal, a son does not cease to be truly his father's son; it also indicates a good that has been found again, which in the case of the prodigal son was his return to the truth about himself" (Dives in misericordia

LAETARE SUNDAY

                      How is your Lenten journey progressing?

Are you feeling weary and ready for a little break?

In Lent, we have the tradition to have a mid-Lent break, (the half way point of Lent), which is known as 'Laetare' Sunday derived from the latin 'to rejoice'. Liturgically we break away from the Lenten penitential spirit of the purple vestments to the wearing of rose-coloured vestments by the priest and/or deacon.  These rose-coloured vestments are only worn twice a year, so from a practical perspective, some parishes do not have a set, but use lighter purple vestments.

The fourth Sunday of Lent is also known as 'let up Sunday' because we 'let up' on our Lenten penance. It can be a timely reminder for those of us who may have struggled through Lent so far.  I remember thinking during one of my disastrous Lents that  we had reached the midpoint, and I had not got started. I remember another Lent going well up to Laetare Sunday- I had a break on that day and could not get started again. 

 I have to say that my Lent has not been what I had hoped for this year again. I started off on Ash Wednesday well and then it has been downhill from there. I have not been well actually and the pain has been very difficult to bear. It has only been this last week that I have started to feel better again. So the first 3 weeks  have been a wipe out for Lent for me.  I am not good with paid- my threshold for coping with it is not great.  I did my best I suppose but as far as meriting any graces or coping with it for Lent..i have to rely on God's mercy to make that call.

Also during this time I had lost some weight. I have struggled with my weight most of my life so to shed even a few pounds is hard work.  Anyway I was making great progress and I thought I was at last beating it. Alas no, all of a sudden..bang.. I have almost put on all the weight I lost.

of course Lent is not about losing weight. I know that.. However I am just sharing with you a big struggle I have in my life. I have to say I was more focused and I was trying to offer up my temptations to eat for a friend of mine who is in difficulty- so every time I wanted to go to fridge for ice cream (it has been hot in Australia) or a drink, I thought of my friend's difficulty and stopped myself from having the ice cream or drink.  So the message is that when we include others in our thoughts and be motivated by their struggles, our own seem a lot less.  I will keep you posted on how this goes for the rest of Lent now that I am not in physical pain myself.

 It is an excellent time to review how our Lenten journey and tweak it accordingly.  Never too late to start and/or start again.For me, this year it will be really starting because the first 3 weeks have been a wipe out.

Anyway, enjoy Laetare Sunday- we can all do with a break but for people like myself, do remember to get started again afterwards!!!!

God's reason to smile: Reflection Series

REFLECTION AND PRAYER SERIES.

My reflection and prayer series is about sharing reflections and Prayers which have impacted upon me and have provided food for thought. I hope that they will also nurture your soul and spirit.

My Scripture reflection is 

''I am filled with delight day after day rejoicing always in His presence.
(Proverbs 8:30)

Christ the Redeemer  Reflection and Prayer Series Icon

My post is called:

                                                      God's reason to smile

Make me a constat delight to Your heart Lord
Let my life always give you a reason to smile.''.

No 93 What does the heart of Jesus exemplify? Compendium Series

COMPENDIUM SERIES

Jesus the Teacher.

No 93 What does the heart of Jesus exemplify?  (475 - 477)

WHAT DOES THE COMPENDIUM SAY?

Compendium states: 

Jesus knew us and loves us with the human heart.  His heart, pierced for our salvation, is the symbol of that infinite life which we which he loves and the Father and each one of our hearts.

PERSONAL RESPONSE

What does this mean for me?

• I can thank God constantly for His love for me and that He was pierced through for my salvation. 
• I can be thankful that Jesus loves me with a human heart and that I am able to see Christ represented in sacred images especially the Sacred Heart.
• When I look at sacred images, I should remember and venerate Christ in the sacred images.
• I can be thankful too that I am able to give back to Jesus my love for him by the way I live.  I am able to honour his sacred heart by remembering the promises He made and attend mass every first Friday.  Check out my series on the Promises of Sacred Heart.

Questions to consider.

1. How would my explanation of this teaching make a difference to another person?

2. What benefit does it have to me knowing that Jesus loves me unconditionally?

3.  When I think of Jesus being pierced on the cross for my sins, how does that demonstrate God’s unconditional love for me?  

Liturgy of the Word Part 3 Vol 2 About the Mass Vol 2

ABOUT THE MASS SERIES VOL 2. LITURGY OF THE WORD PART 2 

About the Mass Vol 2 icon.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: 

Some time ago, I went to Mass at a different Church. On my return journey, thinking I desperately needed a couple of Panadols’ to get over the experience, I tried to recall the readings at Mass. It was a rude awakening- my mind was totally blank. 

This experience proved valuable, as I realised how blessed we are when we hear the Word of God proclaimed well, and as I pondered: how can I practice and adapt the Readings and Gospel to my life during the coming week when I could not recall any part of them at all?

So, what about you? 

• Do you remember any part of the First Reading- a line, a phrase which spoke to you as the lector proclaimed it?  
• Do you prepare for Mass during the week by reflecting on the readings?
• What resolve do you have when you hear Christ in his Word speak to you?
• What about our response to the readings?    

 LISTENING TO THE WORD OF GOD 

The Lector completes the reading,  and before saying: ‘the Word of the Lord’, should pause for  a brief silent reflection. It is a great opportunity to recall what has been proclaimed and its implication for your life during the week.  We as a congregation reply: ‘Thanks be to God’.

If we are sincere about following Christ and wanting to hear Mass well, we have a duty to prepare the readings ourselves before we go to Mass.  We cannot rely on the lectors to read the word of God well.   It is a sad fact that many lectors do not read the word of God well, and as a result, the congregation miss out on hearing the word of God proclaimed.  In every parish, there are a handful of great lectors, and should we be lucky enough to have them read the word of God at the Mass that we attend, we are indeed fortunate.  In short therefore, it is our responsibility to prepare the word of God by reading and reflecting upon it during the week, so that we are prepared for Holy Mass.

It is a worthwhile practice to start preparing the readings on Sunday evening for the following Sunday. Read them each day and reflect upon them. When you hear the word of God read the following Sunday, you will hear them in a whole different way. At least that is my experience. 

I have found that when I prepare the readings like this, I also am able to identify areas of my life where I can apply the reading.  I have also found that when I do not prepare the readings in this way, by ability to act upon them in my life is minimised considerably. 

If you are not used to preparing the readings: following Sunday, and you find that reading them is too much to do, then concentrate by the gospel as a starting point. Then as you develop this habit, you will start to incorporate the other readings as well. Remember not to overlook the Responsorial psalm and the gospel acclamation since the latter can be a useful prayer during the week. 

Technically, we are meant to listen to the word of God.  However, we are human and can become distracted by others in the congregation and our own thoughts as well.  It is better to follow the readings in our missal, rather than miss the readings completely.  If we have prepared the readings during the week, then our ability to hear the word of God, along with following it in our missal, will greatly be improved.  We will start to hear the word of God with our hearts.  Then we will be able to reflect upon it and act on it in our lives.

It is also worthwhile to reflect upon the words ‘’ the word of the Lord’’.  We may even ask ourselves why does the reading finish in this way.  It is also important to reflect upon our response.

THANKS BE TO GOD.

So what does this little response with so much significance mean to you?

Perhaps, on some Sundays it will have a different meaning for you. With all the responses at Mass, we can be caught saying them without thinking. Perhaps on the Sunday in question mentioned above it had another meaning for me!

Whenever we meet Christ in his Word and hear it proclaimed, let our hearts as well as our lips say 

‘Thanks be to God’

W

Feast of the Annunciation Feast day Series

Feast of the Annunciation.  feast Day Series

Chapel at Basilica of Annunciation in Holy Land.

The feast of the Annunciation is on 25th March and it inevitably falls in Lent.  This marks the day when Mary, as described in the Gospel of St Luke, was told by an angel that she was to be the mother of the Saviour. This is the day of the Incarnation, when Christ, the Son of God, arrived in his mother's womb.

Interestingly enough, the old English name for this day is "Lady's Day" and for centuries it was marked as the first day of the New Year: due to the fact the tax year ran from March to March each year.   Of course, the Annunciation is exactly nine months before Christmas, signifying the time spend by Christ in the womb of Mary. On a practical note, for those of us who had promised ourselves we were going to be organised for Christmas next year, why not connect this feast with a start of a Christmas shopping list.!!!! Shock horror, some might think of Christmas-when we have not yet celebrated Easter.

Nevertheless, reflecting on this feast and connecting it with Christmas, may provide a fresh impetus. 

An old tradition says that the first Good Friday was also on 25th March, and so Christ was dying on the anniversary of the day on which he first arrived on earth.

WHAT DOES THIS FEAST MEAN FOR ME?

Apart from wanting to be organised for Christmas and connecting the two feasts of our salvation what does this feast also mean for me?

God does not need his creatures because He is God.  Yet, he desired Mary's yes and our yes to make His plan complete. Jesus invites us every moment of every day to say Yes to Him He gives us a choice just as Mary was able to say no too. Jesus never squashes our free will. In this time of Lent particularly, it is an ideal opportunity to become more aware of the opportunities we have to say yes to God.

Will we be willing to say Yes to God like Mary in what He asks of us?

Want to know about  music for the Virgin Mother?  Why not  check out my blog on the Feast of the Annunciation.

Blind Bartimaeus at Jericho Mk 10 46-52.

Gospel of mark series: Blind Bartimaeus at Jericho.

THE BIBLE  GOSPEL OF MARK SERIES ICON

During 2019, each week, I will write a weekly post about the Gospel of Mark, as I review and explore each of the 16 chapters and how it may be applied in our daily lives. If you are following this series for the first time, you will find this series under Scripture- New Testament- Gospel of Mark. 

Click here to read the first post in the series. I have written this series in different years (2012, 2015, 2018) with some irregularity, but am determined to complete this series this year since I am more than half way through this Gospel.

My goal is to understand and pray the Gospel of Mark. I hope you will join me on this journey as we travel through the liturgical season.  In today's post we explore chapter 10:46-52 which is called Blind Bartimaeus at Jericho.

Blind Bartimaeus at Jericho.

The story of Bartimaeus concludes the teaching of Jesus about service of others (10:32-52).  Jesus serves this blind man, begging beside the roadway, by freeing him: from his blindness.

The giving of sight to the blind to Bartimaeus also concludes the fifth part of Mark’s gospel, where Jesus had been forming his disciples in his way.  With the earlier healing of the blind man at Bethsaida, the healing of a Bartimaeus: forms a frame for the whole of this part, we Jesus tries, unsuccessfully to enlighten the blindness of his disciples.

As Jesus leaves Jericho on this journey up to Jerusalem, these disciples and a large crowd of people follow him.  At the side of the roadway since the blind Bartimaeus begging.  He is apart from the disciples and the others, and under able to see.  He hears Jesus of Nazareth is there and begins to shout: for mercy without knowing exactly where to shout.  He calls Jesus Son of David, a title for by expected Messiah.The crowd try to silence him, but the more they try, the more he shouts.

Jesus stops and asks them to call him.  Bartimaeus eagerly jumps to his feet, throws away the cloak, which likely he has spread it on the ground before him to receive alms, and runs to Jesus.  Notice how the disciples and others are drawn to help, once  Jesus begins to act.

It is clear what Bartimaeus wants.  

Nevertheless, Jesus ask him to speak it out.  Please stands in his blindness before Jesus, whom he cannot see, with nothing but he is human need to be healed.  Through the faith of Bartimaeus Jesus gives him sight.

Though: told to go, Bartimaeus does not go.  His eyes have begun to see.  No longer does he sit beside the way as an outsider.  He follows Jesus as a disciple joyfully, maybe with dancing, along the way up the slope to Jerusalem.

JOURNAL REFLECTIONS

In our journal and/or our discussion group we may wish to reflect on this passage as follows:

• Name the key points that you have learnt about the person of Jesus in this passage of scripture?

• Imagine that you are one of the disciples- What do you see and hear and feel. What can I learn from this?

• Imagine being Bartimaeus both as the blind person and as the Bartimaeus  who can now see.- what would you have felt?  

• What is reading the Gospel passage with the eyes and ears of disciple mean to me?

• How does Jesus invite me to look at my own blindness?

• What are the areas in my life I need to bring to Jesus? What questions do I want to ask Him about my blindness?

• Am I willing to look into myself with honesty and ask how much do I grasp what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus with sight in the light of this teaching? 

• Is my faith in the divine power of Christ, whom we follow, large enough to make us ready to walking faithfully his ‘’way’’ with sight?

• In the light of this passage, how will you respond to Jesus as a true disciple?

• If a fellow parishioner had read this passage, what might he/she say about this passage?

• In the light of this Gospel passage what positive change will you adopt in your life and in your spiritual life.  How will you implement these changes?
  
  

Collect and Gospel reflection 3rd Sunday Lent

COLLECT AND GOSPEL REFLECTION

The Mass _ Collect and Gospel Reflection Series 

COLLECT FOR THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT YEAR C

The Collect for Third Sunday of Lent year C 8^th reads as follows.

O God, author of every mercy and of all goodness,

who in fasting and alms giving have shown us a remedy for sin,

look graciously on this confession of our lowliness,

that we, who bold are bowed down by our conscience,

may always be lifted up by your mercy. 

Through our Lord Jesus Christ your son,

who reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS 

In making this prayer tangible for during the week, the following reflection questions emerged:

1.    What does mercy and goodness mean to me?

2.    How is my Lenten observance of fasting and alms giving progressing?

3.    How am I preparing for a good confession this lent?

4.    In what areas of my life is my conscience bowed down?

5.    In other areas of my life do I need the mercy of Jesus?

GOSPEL REFLECTION

The Gospel is from St. Luke, 13:1-9. Our Lord stresses that we need to produce plenty of fruit (cf. Lk 8:11-15) in keeping with the graces we have received (cf. Lk 12:48). St Luke also tells us that God waits patiently for this fruit to appear; He does not want the death of the sinner; God wants him to be converted and to live (Ezek 33:11) and, as St Peter teaches, he is "forebearing towards you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance" (2 Pet 3:9).  However, it is important to realise that God's clemency should not lead us to neglect our duties and become lazy and comfort-seeking, living sterile lives. He is merciful, but he is also just and he will punish failure to respond to his grace.

I think it is important to stress that last point.  God is merciful and anti is also just.  God’s justice is merciful and always fair.  God has given us the means: for our salvation through prayer whether this is communal our personal, participation at Mass, receiving the sacraments regularly and keeping the commandments such as by loving god with all our heart and our neighbour ourselves.

Lent is a time for us to review our lives.  The church reminds us of the need to pray, fasting and alms giving.  Praying helps us come closer to God.  Fasting helps us our mind on God, as well as helping us to be grateful for the food and resources that we have.  Almsgiving helps us to focus on our neighbour.  So then Lent is really about both God and neighbour.  The church therefore gives us this time of lent to review our lives in these areas.  Lent is a blessing that Jesus gives us through His church.

We know we are human and we made mistakes, sin and also omit to do good when we could have done.  So we need to repent and believe the good news.  God wants us to be converted and live.  God does not want us to be bowed down by our sins or make the mistake of thinking that we are perfect.  

We know we are not perfect, but pride or fear may be get in the way of us using the sacrament of Reconciliation.  We need to remember that women use the sacrament us reconciliation, but we are confessing our sins to God.  The priest is there to help us make a good confession and give us advice and: he gives us absolution.  God wants us to be converted and to live freely without a murmur of sin in our hearts.  We need to choose this help and use it regularly.

PERSONAL NOTE
I am sorry that i have not had written in the last couple of weeks. I have forced rest with a frozen shoulder. I have not been able to do any computer  work. It has been most frustrating. I am beginning to feel better now, but cannot be on the computer too long. Hope to be at full strength soon.