SUNDAY – FOURTH WEEK OF LENT

"So must the Son of Man be lifted up, that all who believe may have eternal life in Him." (John 3:14,15)

Reflection.

Faith always takes us on a journey beyond the obvious and tangible. This was often lacking in those who experienced Jesus and His teachings. When He spoke of offering His Body and Blood, they exclaimed: "How can this man give us flesh to eat?" They totally missed the spiritual dimension of His words and message. He was pointing them to a higher realm of understanding, while they chose to remain on an earthly level leading only to darkness and death.

Faith does not come easy. While we see and know people for whom faith seems like second nature, for many of us it is a gift that reveals itself only with the utmost diligence and care. It usually begins to appear in times of transition, distress and/or sickness, for it is in moments like these that the Lord is able to get our attention long enough, so that we can hear His voice above the noise and confusion of our daily lives. Whenever trouble breaks into the serenity of our daily existence, we can be sure the Divine potter is at work trying to mold us into something beautiful.

-- Fr. Dominic P. Irace

Lenten Question.

Q: What is Laetare Sunday?

A: The Fourth Sunday of Lent, so named from the first word of the Latin entrance antiphon Laetare, Jerusalem, "Rejoice, Jerusa­lem" (Isa 66:10), is a remnant of the ancient Roman observance of only three weeks of fasting before Easter. Laetare Sunday was thus the last day before the fasting time began. It was customary to bring roses to church on that day and give them to the elect, thus the association of this Sunday with roses and eventually the rose-colored vestments.

Laetare Sunday is the only Sunday of Lent when the Roman liturgy officially permits flowers at the altar and instrumental music.

Because the rose vestments were always optional, Laetare Sunday was not consistently observed throughout the church and has generally fallen into disuse since Vatican II. Because the Fourth Sunday of Lent is one of the scrutiny Sundays, our attention is fittingly directed to prayer for the elect rather than how quickly the days of Lent are passing by. Nonetheless, Laetare Sunday is a reminder of the spirit of joy, which touches every Sunday of Lent. The short reading for Sunday Morning Prayer reminds us each week:

"Today is holy to the LORD your God. Do not be sad, and do not weep; for today is holy to our LORD. Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the LORD must be your strength!" (Neh 8:9-10).

Rev. Paul J. Niemann

Lenten Action.

Pray for those who are being persecuted for their faith or race.

Prayer.

O Jesus, true Bread of Eternal Life, appease my hunger.

Source: Daily Meditations During Lent.

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MONAY – FOURTH WEEK OF LENT

I am about to create new heavens and a new earth. (Isaiah 65:17)

Reflection.

That first email was stiff and stilted, commenting about something on her page. It was not decorated with cheerful emotions, or saucy in humor. But it was a start.

She wrote back, and I replied, and soon we were emailing regularly. The stiffness and anger faded eventually to forgiveness. We each saw the wrongs we'd both committed against each other and asked forgiveness. Then something found its way into the messages that I had missed for ten long years. Love. The bond between mother and daughter had been ignited once more. I described in detail her three grandchildren: Michael, age five; David, age three; and Chrissy, a three-month-old babe. My mother had only seen pictures of them through other family members. I described them to her now. How they smiled. Their fears, and their joys. Their distinct and marvelous personalities. When they said something funny, I would type it in an email and send it to her, introducing her to their charm, and the sheer miracle of their existence.

She jotted off details of my childhood, tidbits I had forgotten. Funny stories to tell my children someday. Over a distance of 2,000 miles, she was getting to know her grandchildren, and reacquainting herself with me.

One day, an email arrived saying she was coming for a visit, if that was okay. Tears streaming down my face, I typed my reply, "Yes, come. The kids would love to see you. I would love to see you."

She came. She saw for herself all the details I'd written about my children. She held them in her arms, and smelled their hair. She hugged me, and met the man of my dreams, my husband.

While she was visiting, we wrote to my grandmother. Growing up, I hadn't known my grandmother very well. My mother and she had also been estranged. Funny how generations repeat themselves sometimes.

Gradually we began an email relationship, and now we converse regularly, spanning the miles and the lost years with the click of a send button. She has a sense of humor I adore, and her wit is razor sharp. I'm proud to call her Grandma. Even prouder that she calls me granddaughter.

I hear all the time that the Internet is full of garbage and sex. I would say yes, if you are looking for it. But the Internet is also full of rewarding experiences for those with the courage to take them.

It is a resource for finding lost relatives, educating your children, learning the wonderful diversity of humanity, and most importantly to me, keeping touch with family and friends. Don't fear this technology. Embrace the good in it!

I smile now to think I almost argued my husband out of this computer. It's one argument I'm glad I lost. The funny thing is, my husband rarely uses the computer. But I'm fairly sure I've made good use of it. My mother and Grandmother agree.

-- Karman Wilson

Lenten Question.

Q: What is the Chrism Mass?

A: At this Mass, traditionally celebrated on Holy Thursday morning, the holy oils are blessed for use in the sacraments, especially the sacraments of initiation. The bishop presides together with the pres­byterate of the diocese. In places where it is difficult for the clergy to gather just before the Triduum, the Chrism Mass may be celebrated some days earlier. Because the presbyterate gathers for the blessing of the oils, and because Holy Thursday is associated with the institu­tion of the ministerial priesthood, the Chrism Mass has also become the setting for the rite of renewal of commitment to priestly service. This renewal rite first appeared in the 1974 sacramentary; it was created in response to the Holy See’s concern about the number of priests who resigned from the active ministry during the 1960s.

In the rite of blessing the oils, three vessels of oil, usually olive oil, are presented to the bishop. One is for the oil of the sick; the second is for the oil of catechumens; the third, mixed with balsam or other fragrances, is consecrated as sacred chrism. The ancient Roman custom was to bless the oil of the sick before the end of the Eucharistic prayer; the blessing of the oil of catechumens and the consecration of the chrism took place after communion. The present rite provides for all three blessings to take place immediately after the Liturgy of the Word and the renewal of commitment to priestly service.

Rev. Paul J. Niemann

Lenten Action.

Take some intense time with God.

Prayer.

Lord, during this Lenten season nourish us with Your word of life and make us one in love and prayer.

Source: Daily Meditations During Lent.

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TUESDAY – FOURTH WEEK OF LENT

I saw water flowing out from beneath the threshold of the temple. (Ezekiel 47:1)

Reflection.

Holy water is a means of spiritual wealth -- a sacramental that remits venial sin. The Church strongly urges its use, especially when dangers threaten. The devil hates holy water because of its power over him. He cannot long abide in a place or near a person that is often sprinkled with this blessed water.

St. Theresa of Avila on holy water: "From long experience I have learned that there is nothing like holy water to put devils to flight and prevent them from coming back again. They also flee from the cross, but return; so holy water must have great value."

Lenten Question.

Q: What is the Triduum?

A: The paschal Triduum consists of three full liturgical days counted from the evening of Holy Thursday through Easter Sunday. These three days form a unified liturgical celebration, so that the Triduum may be thought of as one event extended over some seventy-two hours, marked by occasional assemblies of the faithful.

The three days are, together, the principal celebration of the paschal mystery. This means that we will find all the elements of the paschal mystery woven together, sometimes in tension with one another. We proclaim the cross in the introductory verse of Thursday evening; we affirm the resurrection in the prayers after communion on Friday; we proclaim the death of the Lord as well as his resurrection on Sunday. In short, the Triduum is not a historical drama, not a reenactment of the last days of Christ. It is the whole paschal mystery looked at from various sides.

This being said, it is also important to look at what each day of the Triduum is and what it celebrates:

The first day is Holy Thursday evening through Good Friday afternoon, emphasizing the Lord's passion and death.

The second day is Good Friday evening through Holy Saturday evening, commemorating the Lord's burial and the keeping of the great Sabbath.

The third day is Holy Saturday night through Easter Sunday evening, the day of the Lord's resurrection.

Before Pius XII restored the ancient Triduum observance in 1951, the liturgies of these days had moved to the morning hours and were supplemented by popular devotions of various kinds. The Lenten fast was then abandoned at noon on Holy Saturday. Some people still think of the Triduum as Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday, the last three days of the Lenten fast.

This reckoning persists in the prohibition of Masses on Holy Thursday morning, including funeral Masses, even though Holy Thursday morning is not properly part of the Triduum.

Lenten Action.

How do you listen to God's voice and call?

Prayer.

 

O Jesus, teach me to see only You in my superiors.

Source: Daily Meditations During Lent.

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WEDNESDAY – FOURTH WEEK OF LENT

"If you believed Moses you would then believe me, for it was about me that he wrote." (John 5:46)

Reflection.

I came to the Irish people to preach the Gospel and endure the taunts of unbelievers, putting up with reproaches about my earthly pilgrimage, suffering many persecutions, even bondage, and losing my birthright of freedom for the benefit of others.

If I am worthy, I am ready also to give up my life, without hesitation and most willingly, for Christ's name. I want to spend myself for that country, even in death, if the Lord should grant me this favor.

It is among that people that I want to wait for the promise made by him, who assuredly never tells a lie. He makes this promise in the Gospel: "They shall come from the east and west and sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob." This is our faith: believers are to come from the whole world.

-- Saint Patrick

Triduum Question.

Q: May a funeral take place during the Triduum?

A: A funeral Mass may not be celebrated on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, or Easter Sunday. When someone dies during or just prior to this time, there are some options. One option is to delay the entire order of funeral rites until Easter Monday. When this is not possible or desirable, a funeral liturgy (without Mass) may be celebrated in the parish church or other suitable place, such as the chapel of the mortuary or cemetery. This funeral liturgy should include the elements of receiving the body, a complete Liturgy of the Word including homily and intercessions, and the rites of commen­dation and farewell. The rite of committal is celebrated at the place of interment as usual. A memorial Eucharist may then be celebrated after Easter Sunday. Holy communion is not permitted at a funeral liturgy during the Triduum.

Q: What are the proper liturgical colors of Triduum days?

A: The Mass of the Lord's Supper and the entire Easter Vigil are celebrated with white vestments; the Liturgy of the Lord's Pas­sion is celebrated with red Mass vestments.

Red is also the color for the Liturgy of the Hours on Good Friday; on Holy Saturday, violet is used for the Liturgy of the Hours and the preparation rites for the catechumens.

-- Rev. Paul J. Niemann

Lenten Action.

Give the money saved to the poor.

Prayer.

As I arise today, may the strength of God pilot me, the power of God uphold me, the wisdom of God guide me. May the eye of God look before me, the ear of God hear me, the word of God speak for me. May the hand of God protect me, the way of God lie before me, the shield of God defend me, the host of God save me. May Christ shield me today...Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit, Christ when I stand, Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me. Amen.

-- Saint Patrick of Ireland, Bishop and Missionary

Source: Daily Meditations During Lent.

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THURSDAY – FOURTH WEEK OF LENT

"Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you." (Isaiah 49:15)

Reflection.

Flower of Obedience

I met Her in a garden,

A Lady made of stone.

There was a look about Her face,

Unfamiliar, peaceful grace.

I sat and whispered at Her feet

In a flower garden sweet.

 

As a little child orphaned and alone.

I felt a kinship in my heart,

Pain and sorrow seemed to part.

With each and every passing day,

I made haste to find my way

To come before this Lady make of stone.

As a little child orphaned and alone.

Speaking to Her of my sad affair,

In secret hoping someone would care.

She held one hand upon Her heart,

The other open wide.

How I longed to place a flower at Her side.

As a little child orphaned and alone.

But to Her no flower could be given.

To pick flowers from the garden was forbidden.

Having no flower to give that day,

 

I simply thought, "I must obey."

When to my surprise I heard Her say,

"My little child, cannot you see?

Your obedience means more to me."

How could I have ever known?

She wanted me for Her very own.

I found a real Mother in place of stone.

Now Her little child, no more orphaned or alone.

.... Cindy Speltz

Lenten Action.

Say a special Rosary for the unborn.

Triduum Question.

Q: Are there any restrictions on music during Lent and Triduum?

A: The Ceremonial of Bishops and the Circular Letter advise that musical instruments be played only to sustain the singing. Instru­mental music alone or embellished accompaniments are preferably kept for the time of Easter rejoicing.

This need not be taken in a rigid, legalistic sense, as though all music is prohibited. Music expresses a wide range of emotions and can evoke various responses. Parish musicians should consider how best to convey the desired sense of penitence and austerity through music. A solo instrument may well serve to establish a more reflective atmosphere in a church that is otherwise noisy.

Q: What is meant by "Maundy Thursday? "

A: The English word "maundy" is derived from the Latin mandatum, or "commandment." Since Christ gave the "new commandment" of mutual love during the Last Supper farewell discourse, the celebra­tion of the Lord's Supper includes the commemoration of the mandatum. The term mandatum is also used to refer to the ritual of the washing of the feet.

Rev. Paul J. Niemann

Prayer.

We fly to your protection, most holy Mother of God; please listen to our petitions and needs, and deliver us from all dangers. Amen.

Source: Daily Meditations During Lent.

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FRIDAY – FOURTH WEEK OF LENT

Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence from meat.

"Let us beset the just one, because he is obnoxious to us." (Wisdom 2:12)

Reflection.

There is a general rule concerning all special graces granted to any human being. Whenever the divine favor chooses someone to receive a special grace, or to accept a lofty vocation, God adorns the person chosen with all the gifts of the Spirit needed to fulfill the task at hand.

This general rule is especially verified in the case of Saint Joseph, the foster-father of our Lord, and the husband of the Queen of our world, enthroned above the angels. He was chosen by the eternal Father as the trustworthy guardian and protector of his greatest treasures, namely, his divine Son and Mary, Joseph's wife. He carried out this vocation with complete fidelity until at last God called him, saying "Good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord."

Remember us, Saint Joseph, and plead for us to your foster child. Ask your most holy bride, the Virgin Mary, to look kindly upon us, since she is the mother of Him who with the Father and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns eternally.

-- Saint Bernardine of Siena

Lenten Fact.

Since Lent is a penitential season of preparation for Easter, the Stations of the Cross, which follow the path of Christ from Pontius Pilate's praetorium to Christ's tomb have been a popular devotion in parishes. In the 16th century, this pathway was officially entitled the "Via Dolorosa" (Sorrowful Way) or simply Way of the Cross or Stations of the Cross.

Triduum Question.

Q: What are the main elements of the Mass of the Lord's Supper?

A: The Mass of the Lord's Supper is the beginning of the paschal Triduum. This Mass includes the usual elements of the introduc­tory rites (including the Gloria, during which the church bells may be rung), Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist. In addition to these, the Mass may include the mandatum or washing of feet and an optional presentation of the holy oils blessed by the bishop. In place of the concluding rites, there is a procession to transfer the Blessed Sacrament to the place of reservation.

We begin the Triduum with a solemn celebration of Eucharist while focusing on the table ritual by which Jesus willed to be remembered. We do this not as a re-enactment of the Last Supper but with the words and ceremonies which our church has developed to continue the tradition. This is liturgy, not theater. This is what we do "in memory" of him.

A comment about the Christian understanding of memory or re­membrance is appropriate here. The English word "memory" is barely equivalent to the Greek "anamnesis," which means a calling to mind in such a way that the mystery is truly present to us and we enter into it. We do not simply think about the mystery; we live anew the saving events of the life of Christ. Unlike the "mysteries" of pagan belief which provided entry into an endless cycle of myths about personified forces of nature and imagined gods and goddesses, the Christian mysteries are rooted in actual human history. Nevertheless, the impact of the Christian mysteries transcends all history.

-- Rev. Paul J. Niemann

Lenten Action.

Think about St. Joseph's role in salvation history. Think about what God might be asking of us.

Prayer

O Great Saint Joseph, you were completely obedient to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Obtain for me the grace to know the state of life that God in his providence has chosen for me. Since my happiness on earth, and perhaps even my final happiness in heaven, depends on this choice, let me not be deceived in making it. Amen.

Source: Daily Meditations During Lent.

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SATURDAY – FOURTH WEEK OF LENT

Lord, my God, in you I take refuge! (Psalm 7:2)

Reflection.

"Jesus embodies the rule of God in which no one is beyond God's forgiveness no matter who they are or what they have done. Endowed with the presence and power of God through baptism by John in the Jordan, Jesus comes proclaiming that the rule of God supplants all others now. When the scribes and the Pharisees chide him for eating with the traitorous Jewish tax collectors, Jesus responds: 'Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.' The answer to my parishioner's burning question [about divine forgiveness] was, of course: No, you cannot be too bad to be forgiven. You can only be too good. [For example: Too self-righteous to be humble, compassionate, or receptive to God's spirit.]"

-- Lewis B. Smedes

Lenten Fact.

Tradition holds that our Blessed Mother visited daily the scenes of our Lord's passion.

Triduum Question.

Q: What is the significance of the mandatum or footwashing?

A: The Gospel of John does not describe the institution of the Eucha­rist during his narrative of the Last Supper. Instead, Jesus, know­ing that now is the hour for his Passover from this world to the Father, gives his last instructions to the disciples. Within the setting of the meal, Jesus imposes a dual command: to wash one another's feet and to love one another.

As in every sacramental rite, the words specify what the gesture means in a specific instance. (For example, several sacraments include the laying on of hands, but the accompanying prayer makes it clear whether the gesture is forgiveness, ordination, healing, and so on). In John 13, the commandment of love specifies the meaning of the footwashing gesture: love for one another. In the synoptic Gospels, Jesus gives his life symbolically at the table and in reality on the cross. The cross and the table ritual are one gift. In John, Jesus washes his disciples' feet as a gesture of love; this love is his glory as he is lifted up on the cross.

-Rev. Paul J. Niemann

Lenten Action.

Reach out to someone who is not like you.

Prayer.

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time, accepting hardships as the pathway to peace, taking, as He, did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it. Trusting that He will make all things right. If I surrender to His Will, that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with him forever in the next. Amen.

Source: Daily Meditations During Lent.