 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
In the Palm Sunday procession we join with the crowd of disciples who in festive joy accompany the Lord during his entry into Jerusalem. Like them, we praise the Lord with a loud voice for all the miracles we have seen. Yes, we too have seen and still see today the wonders of Christ: how he brings men and women to renounce the comforts of their lives and devote themselves totally to the service of the suffering; how he gives men and women the courage to oppose violence and deceit, to make room for truth in the world; how, in secret, he persuades men and women to do good to others, to bring about reconciliation where there had been hatred and to create peace where enmity had reigned.
The procession of the Palms - as it was at that time for the disciples - is primarily an expression of joy because we are able to recognize Jesus, because he allows us to be his friends and because he has given us the key to life. This joy, however, which is at the beginning, is also an expression of our "yes" to Jesus and our willingness to go with him wherever he takes us. The exhortation with which our Liturgy today begins, therefore, correctly interprets the procession as a symbolic representation of what we call the "following of Christ": "Let us ask for the grace to follow him", we said. The expression "following of Christ" is a description of the whole of Christian existence.
Fifth Sunday of Lent
(click above for larger image)
"No need to recall the past, no need to think about what was done before. See, I am doing a new deed, even now it comes to light; can you not see it?" (Isaiah 43:18)
--------------------
"Remember that you are dust and unto dust you will return..".
" Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel..."Ash Wednesday's reminder involves constant effort as St Paul tells his friends in Philippi.
Not that I have become perfect yet: I have not yet won, but I am still running, trying to capture the prize for which Christ Jesus captured me. I can assure you my brothers, I am far from thinking that I have already won. (Philippians 3:13)
Reminders:
A celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation continues to be part of our journey towards God's mercy and healing peace during this season of Lent...
Be honest to God. Be honest about your need of God.
Pray for your priests that they be humble recipients and generous ministers of God's mercy and peace.
Actions, silence and words...
This week's Gospel mirrors aspects of last Sunday's Prodigal Son. Last week we heard a story of Jesus. This week we meet a real-life situation where Jesus explains God's mercy in actions, silence and words (rather than in a parable).
Jesus challenges the mindset of people who are hard of heart. They have put a test case before Jesus to catch him out.
These community leaders are so focussed on the sins of a woman in the community that they are have forgotten their own sinful behaviour.
Jesus does not speak to them. Instead, he begins writing in the dust and dirt. Some writers consider that Jesus might have been writing a list of their sinful behaviour.
Rather than looking at the woman, Jesus seems to look at her accusers first. He continues writing and then speaks to them.
His actions, silence and words produced an effect. He was then able to look at the woman and reflect God's mercy towards her.
Our actions, silent reflection and words at this time of Lent should also produce an effect in our lives.
Could we look at our sinful condition in a wider context? Do we limit our awareness of sin to certain areas of life and living?
The actions, silence and words of Jesus in this Gospel remind us yet again that "my thoughts are not your thoughts...my ways not your ways."
Thought for a newsletter:
"People in stone houses should not throw glasses..."
Trócaire resources available at
Fourth Sunday of Lent
This week, we'll just focus on the Gospel.
Since Lent began, we have met Jesus being tempted in the wilderness, praying at Mount Tabor and (last week) dealing with the existence of evil in the world. His image of the farmer and the fig tree captured a sense of a merciful God who always gives us another chance to be fruitful.
Jesus uses this parable (one of the longest in the Gospels) to describe the generosity of his heavenly Father. Instead of using the image of crops or fruit, Jesus describes the disappointments, anxieties, joys and peace of humans in right relationship with each other.
The departure and return of the son captures aspects of the Gospels from the past few Sundays - temptations while "squandering his money on a life of debauchery", praying in a lonely place, realisation of his father's goodness while "coming to his senses during the famine".
This parable of the forgiving father highlights all that is beautiful, all that is true and all that is merciful about the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Have you given some thought to your celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation this Lent?
Do you see it as a "celebration" rather than a "duty"?
Prior to your celebration of the sacrament, might you take a day of retreat away from TV, papers, facebook etc to reflect like the younger son on your need of your heavenly Father's embrace?
Can you share this sense of celebration with your children, godchildren and offer them the same opportunity for reconciliation, peace and healing?
-------------------------------------------------------------
Third Sunday of Lent
In today's Gospel, Pilate, the Governor, had been working to improve the water supply for Jerusalem. He wanted to finance it from Temple funds and many Galileans were killed in the protests and conflict which ensued. Eighteen others were killed when an aqueduct had fallen on them.
Jesus assures his friends that these calamities were not as a result of their sin or lack of prayer.
Our prayers are with families, comunities and parishes in Haiti and Chile in these days. How might a parish in these countries explore this Gospel?
---------
Our tradition in Ireland includes praying barefoot. During the three day pilgrimage to Lough Derg, all pilgrims are equal in their barefeet. They make themselves vulnerable and expose their feet to the elements.
No matter what their profession, mode of transport or wealth on the mainland, when they arrive on Station Island, they strip all their creature comforts away and all are equal.
Similarily, barefoot pilgrims each year on Reek Sunday tread carefully as they climb the mountain of Patrick.
This gesture is a mark of humility which traces it roots through Jewish, Christian and Muslim experiences - all children of Abraham.
Shoeless, we must walk at a different pace. We become more attentive to our surroundings and to the pace of those around us.
We realise that others have walked in these holy places before us and that we are following in their footsteps. They have made sacrifices for us and for many others. We pray for them and we pass on their goodness through our prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
-------------
In the Gospels, Jesus asks us to be aware of the times by observing the world of nature. He speaks of the fig tree as an indicator of the seasons and a product of the good work of the farmer.
As workers in the vineyard of the Lord, parents, godparents, teachers, priests and bishops have their individual responsibilities.
Bishop Smith frequently speaks on Confirmation days about "keeping the door open" for young people. This Gospel reminds us to take responsibility for those who may not appreciate their faith at present while helping them to rediscover the fruitfulness of following Christ through prayer, Gospel values and action.
The season of Lent allows us to examine our behaviour, to nourish our spiritual lives and to prune any areas which need growth for the future.
"Praying is easy. We've heard all the excuses." (to misquote the TV licence advertisement). We are almost halfway through Lent. What simple actions can we take this week to help us pray?
Might we stand in the shape of the cross, remove our shoes or light a candle? Visitors to some countries admire the devotion of people who pray five times each day. Have we the humility to spend time in prayer at 12:00noon and at 6:00 each evening?
The bad things in life
should not make us bitter
but better people.Prefaces during Lent remind us
"You give us strength to purify our hearts, to control our desires and so to serve you in freedom...
You teach us how to live in this passing world with our hearts set on the world that will never end."
These prefaces put flesh on the parable of Jesus in today's Gospel. The effects of prayer can be seen in many ways and in many people.
If today you were accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you??
"By their fruits, you shall know them..."
For parents and godparents.
Speak with your children or godchildren about the pilgrimage to Lough Derg.
Discuss how the three days of prayer, fasting and barefeet might make us more aware of God and neighbour?
-------------------------------------------------------------
Second Sunday of Lent
The Gospels frequently describe Jesus going to a lonely place to pray by himself. Last week's Gospel described his forty days in the wilderness after his Baptism.
This week's Gospel describes Jesus going to another quiet place but on this occasion, he brings some of his friends along with him. He wants to give Peter, James and John a glimpse of his union with his Father.
The appearance of Jesus changes and they see Moses and Elijah speaking with him. St Luke's Gospel is the only one which tells us the content of the conversation
they were speaking of his passing which he was to accomplish in Jersualem.
As in the Old Testament, God's presence is seen as a cloud. This scene reminds us of the baptism of Jesus - except for the extra words which are spoken:
This is my Son, the Chosen One. Listen to him.
On this second, Sunday of Lent, we gather as parish communities to experience the holiness and beauty of prayer. We listen to the Word of God and we receive the Word made flesh.
Like pilgrims who climb Croagh Patrick, our prayer is an important way of engaging with God. We are not escaping from reality when we meet the Lord Jesus in the Eucharist. Instead, we draw strength from his Eucharistic presence so that we can change our lives and transform the lives of those we meet for the coming week.
Like the apostles, we will return from our parish Mass to the normal activities of the day and another week. How might our faces, our expressions, our words show that we have spent valuable time with Christ?
Might we develop better ways of listening - to God, to our family, to our nieghbour...?
Pope Benedict writes
about the Transfiguration
"What the Risen Lord will later explain to the disciples on the road to Emmaus is seen here in visible form. The Law and the Prophets speak with Jesus; they speak of Jesus."
(Jesus of Nazareth p. 311)."The three disciples ... are overcome by "fear of God," as we have seen them be on other occasions when they have experienced God's closeness in Jesus, when they have sensed their own wretchedness and have been practically paralyzed by fear." (Jesus of Nazareth p. 313).
"Because Moses had been talking with God (Ex 34:29-35), God's light streams upon him and makes him radiant. But the light that causes Moses to shine comes upon him from the outside, so to speak. Jesus, however, shines from within; he does not simply receive light, but he himself is light from light." (Jesus of Nazareth p. 310).
For parents and godparents.
Speak with your children or godchildren about the pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick.
What links can we draw between Croagh Patrick and Mount Tabor?
Could we say that prayer transforms us...Is it evident on our faces that we have prayed?
-------------------------------------------------------------
First Sunday of Lent
Every time we prepare to hear the Gospel, we sign ourselves on the forehead, our lips and the heart. These almost automatic actions merit exploration on this first Sunday of Lent.
The ashes have been washed off our foreheads since Thursday morning but St Paul's letter to the Romans challenges us with regards to our lips and our hearts:
If your lips confess that Jesus is Lord and if your believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, then you will be saved.
At our baptism, we were signed with the Oil of Catechumens on our hearts.
Ashes on our foreheads can be easily removed but true conversion of heart involves commitment and constant work.
As godparents, parents and communities, we face growing challenges to ensure that children can experience the fulness of their faith.
Last week's meetings in Rome highlight the damage done in the past and the need to safeguard children in the future.
At baptism, we were blessed with the sign of the cross on our ears and on our mouths while the the following words were spoken:
The Lord Jesus made the deaf hear and the dumb speak. May he soon touch your ears to receive his word and your mouth to proclaim his faith to the praise and glory of God the Father. Amen.
May we listen again to Christ with our ears and hearts and speak about our friendship with our lips and our hearts!
........
During their pilgrimage to St Patrick's Purgatory, Lough Derg, pilgrims stand in the shape of the cross and say "I renounce the world, the flesh and devil" - a formula of words prayed down through the centuries by pilgrims who make the penitential pilgrimage each year.
We can draw a link with them today in the Gospel of St Luke (4:1-13). We see Jesus renouncing three temptations - flesh/food, false Gods and the devil.
Our journey through Lent began with the sign of the cross with ashes on our foreheads and concludes with fresh cleansing water at the Easter Vigil.
May our Lenten journey help us to listen more attentively to God's Word, purify our hearts and make us joyful in our words and actions. Then we can profess our faith with full hearts, lungs and voices at Easter!
 |
Pope Benedict's Lenten Message. |
|
Pictures below of parishioners outside and inside the Cathedral in Haiti praying in the shape of the Cross.
|
||
Ash Wednesday - A Reflection
Every year, the prophet Joel has an urgent message for his people at the beginning of Lent.
Let your hearts be broken not your garments torn, turn to the Lord your God again, for he is all tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in graciousness, and ready to relent.
Joel wants his listeners to be united as a society so he challenges all age-groups to change their behaviour. The sin which divides them will be destroyed and the people will be united as a God's holy people.
No longer will other nations wonder "where it there God?" It will be obvious that their lives have been changed by God's tenderness and compassion.
This sense of gathering and uniting is evident in the urgency of his words:
call the people together, summon the community, assemble the elders, gather the children.
Sin divides us but God's mercy unites us. This fact is celebrated by the children preparing for their First Confession and by all who celebrate God's mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
If our prayer, fasting and almsgiving are undertaken with a generous heart, then we can truly claim to be good ambassadors for Christ. (2 Cor 5:20)
St Matthew's Gospel reminds us that effective almsgiving, prayer and fasting will be rewarded by our Father who sees all that is done in secret.
May we recognise our failings once again so that we can be honest to God and honest about ourselves.
Bishop • Parishes • Religious • Education
• Safeguarding Children
• Family Prayer
• Vocations
Youth • Pilgrimages
• Heritage
• News & Views
• Diocesan
Office •
Links • Webdesign
• Index
© the
Diocese of Meath, 2010