Grassroots Liturgist

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...

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...