Newsletter- 4th Week of Lent
Dear Parishioners
The 4th Sunday of Lent is traditionally called Laetare Sunday. Laetare is the Latin word which means “rejoice.” A sense of rejoicing runs through all the prayers and readings at Mass today. We gain a sense of Gods light, love, mercy and truth. Today we are reminded of the joy of the presence of Jesus in our lives, the light of our world, and of the love of God shining through our lives.
Today on Laetare Sunday we rejoice as our Lenten observance is lifted slightly, we see this in the rose-coloured vestments warn by the clergy at Mass, and as we remember that this Sunday marks the midway point in our Lenten journey and brings us closer to the joy of Easter. We also keep this Sunday as Mothering Sunday, it is a day on which we give thanks for all our mothers, living and dead, and for all who have cared and nurtured us in life and in our journeys of faith thus far. This Sunday we rejoice in the knowledge and power of God’s great love for us and for all humanity. As a Church we give thanks for the special place Our Lady holds in the mystery of our salvation.
Both the First Reading and the Psalm today at Mass speak of the shepherd caring for his flock. Despite David’s youth and outward appearance, the Lord sees the strength of his heart, which will enable him to lead God’s people. The Psalm speaks of the certainty that I can rely on the Lord as my shepherd, keeping me safe from harm whatever happens in my life. In the Second Reading, St Paul reminds the Ephesians (and us too) that God’s light in us shines out for others when we live in goodness and right living and truth. In the Gospel, the blind man’s sight is restored, and he comes into the light. Not only is he physically able to see for the first time, but he also recognises Jesus as the Son of Man. In contrast, those around him remain in the darkness of un-belief, trapped by their unwillingness to see Jesus as he really is.
This week, let us pray for those who have yet to allow the light of Christ into their lives. Let us pray too that we will carry Christ’s light to others in all the situations of our daily lives this coming week.
St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School – We welcome at Mass this Thursday, 19th March, on the Solemnity of St Joseph, some of the young people from our local Catholic school, Year 4, St. Anne’s class and Year 1, St Joseph’s class. I know you will make them welcome in our midst as we celebrate this joyful feast day together in the parish.
With my prayers and best wishes for each of you during the coming week,
Your parish priest and friend,
Fr Jonathan
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