This fourth Sunday of holy Lent is known as Laetare Sunday, from the first word in the Latin entrance antiphon (to rejoice). On this Sunday, rose colored vestments may be worn, breaking up the violet of penitential Lent. We are nearing the Triduum, the three days of remembrance and prayer: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. Laetare Sunday reminds us that the gift has already been given, and our redemption won... for by his wounds, we have been healed (1 Peter 2.24). THAT is the reason for rejoicing!
All of us know that prayer is an opening to the mystery of God. Though God is beyond our capacities of understanding, we have received the gift of revelation, God revealing to humanity something of that glory. Jesus of Nazareth reveals the Father to us in the way he lived and lives, as an obedient son. Jesus teaches us to pray... to seek relationship with our Abba, our Father. Have we begun to pray, as the Lord Jesus instructs us? Lent is a good time to start!
As I mentioned to you last week, through the intentional discipline fasting (eating one meal a day, with little else), we combat the inordinate attachment some of us have for the good things of life. Compulsive behavior, compulsive habits... are challenged when you and I begin to eat and drink intentionally. Along with fasting, the Church also asks of us to abstain from meat each Friday, remembering the Passion of the Lord on Good Friday. Please join me on the Fridays of Lent, by having a meal with the Knights of Columbus (Killian Hall), then praying the Stations, at 7:00 pm.
Last week, I mentioned how all of us at SJN should help in caring for the Lord's poor. Most know or have heard of St. Vincent de Paul, as a ministry of mercy at SJN. But did you know that there is a St. Vincent de Paul Society, a spiritual movement of committed men and women, a movement that seeks to offer disciples a path to holiness and to the service of others. Members of the SVDP Society work to answer the many requests received by the parish for assistance (food, clothing, finances). A SVDP worker at SJN might work on the telephone, following up on requests. Or, the worker might make a home visitation, assessing the needs of the person seeking assistance. All of the members of the SVDP Society at SJN would pitch in for special events (like our Food Sunday weekend). Please consider this wonderful way of joining with others, in order to live the life... to follow the Servant of both our Father and our broken humanity. For more information, please call Roberto Del Valle (the coordinator of SJN's SVDP conference), at 770- 921-7609.
Prayer, fasting and works of mercy and service.... dear Lord, change our hearts, renew our parish!
Msgr. David Talley
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