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...

In a recent homily, our parish priest explained why he allows the collection to proceed before he prepares the altar, and then stands as the collection is taken to the sanctuary.   These are his gestures of respect to our own self-giving to God, made through the daily sacrifices we embrace to live in the light of the Gospel, and symbolised in our offerings.   As we reflected last time, true sacrifice is humbly submitting ourselves to God.   Our offering at the collection is necessary for the practical needs of our parish, but its significance is so much more.   It is a symbol of our life, our work, our labours.   And, in recognition that all comes from God, we offer our life and our labours to God in humble sacrifice.   Our financial offering is, in a very real way, an offering of ourselves.   And this is part of the priestly role that, as baptised Christians, we share with Jesus the Christ. “Pray, brothers and sisters, that my sacrifice and your...