Grassroots Liturgist

Today we celebrate the 4th Sunday of Lent, also known as Laetare Sunday.   This term comes from the first word of the Entrance Antiphon for Holy Mass on this day: “ Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her.   Be joyful, all who were in mourning; exalt and be satisfied at her consoling breast .” This antiphon is based on Isaiah 66:10-11, part of the last chapter of Isaiah.   The people are called to rejoice with Jerusalem, a city that suffered afflictions and troubles and was destroyed, but was now being rebuilt with God’s help, and there will be plenty for everyone.   Jerusalem’s destruction was a cause for mourning, but those who have mourned her demise need mourn no more. But it wasn’t only the fabric of the city that was to be restored, for that would be meaningless; God’s nation, the people whom he loves, would also be restored. These words of prophecy speak to us today, as we enter the final days of our Lenten pilgrimage.   They foretell the great Pas...

What does it mean to be Christian? There is a temptation to think of our Christian faith as a set of teachings.   But Pope Benedict XVI reminded us that “ Christianity is not an intellectual system, a collection of dogmas, or moralism.   Christianity is instead an encounter, a love story; it is an event. ” In 19 th Century France, an old peasant would enter the church and sit silently each morning before going to work, and return to do the same before going home.   One day, Fr John Vianney, asked the man what he said to the Lord during his visits.   “I say nothing,” replied the man, “I look at him and he looks at me.” Prayer, the divine encounter, can be as simple as that.   We don’t need to make it overly complicated.   A friend of mine always starts communal prayer by saying, “Let us be aware that we are in the most holy presence of God.”   God is always beside us and simply being aware of that is prayer.   In our last reflection we...

The Collect, the prayer at the end of the Introductory Rites of the Mass, can communicate to us so much that is important.   They are instructive.   Catechetical. The Collect last Sunday, for example, was, “ Grant, Almighty God, through the yearly observance of holy Lent, that we may grow in understanding of the riches hidden in Christ and by worthy conduct pursue their effects. ”   We said “ Amen ” to that.   And because of our “ Amen ”, our “ So be it ”, we committed ourselves to enter the holy season of Lent and to live it fittingly – in fasting, prayer, and the giving of alms. I have changed the usual order of those three for a reason… When I was a child – and, I’m afraid, for some time after – I rather went through the motions when I ‘gave up something for Lent’.   It was a goal to be achieved, a target to be met.   I lacked the spiritual understanding that’s so important, and which illustrates why fasting, prayer and almsgiving are so closely al...

I am aware that, for some reason, the hosts of my liturgical blog are posting a "Sensitive Content" warning. I have no idea why this is so - as you will know, there is nothing in my blog that deserves such a warning. I have received no reply to my communications of concern and, if it is not sorted soon, I may look for an alternative doomain to host my blog.

There is a story of a little boy who received lots of chocolates at Christmas.   How he wanted to fill his face with those chocolates immediately!   But his mother said, “I am making a delicious Christmas meal for us and for Grandma and Granddad and, if you eat your chocolates now, you won't be able to eat this lovely meal.” Of course, the boy was unable to resist.   He ate so much chocolate that not only was he full but he began to feel sick.   Mum was true to her word, and there was lots of delicious food on the table.   Everyone had a wonderful time eating, drinking and laughing.   Except the little boy who sat there feeling sorry for himself, staring at what he was missing out on. There was no room in his tummy. We fallen creatures are not very good at controlling our desires or even knowing what is best for us.   We seek satisfaction, to be filled.   But we fill our lives with so much that is fleeting – the sensory pleasures like food...