Fourth Sunday of Lent Laetare Sunday 2021
My Dear Friends,
This weekend and in the coming week we will be celebrating a number of joyful events. Laetare Sunday, Mothering Sunday and the Solemnity of Saint Joseph. What a gifted time for us to stand back and ponder the meaning of Laetare Sunday, Mothering Sunday and the Solemnity of Saint Joseph.
The Fourth Sunday of Lent today 14th March is called Laetare Sunday, when the Church takes a bit of breather from Lenten practice and opens Mass with the Entrance Antiphon, “Rejoice, Jerusalem … Be joyful, all who were in mourning!” – taken from Isaiah chapter 66. My friends allow your hearts to ‘Rejoice and Dance’!!!
Mother Mary and Joseph, the parents of Jesus. An ordinary ‘Woman and Man’ and gifted with the Spirit of holiness and grace, (just like you and I) we are so blessed and honoured to have Mary and Joseph as our heavenly Mother and Father.
Mary is one of the most admired biblical figures. Her willingness to be a vessel for God’s Messiah is inspirational, especially when you consider the confusion associated with a young, unmarried woman showing up pregnant—and the pain of watching your grown child be tried and crucified.
There are many Mothers in our Parish who have or are experiencing similar events that Mary encountered! I ask all Mothers to take courage and strength from Our Lady. Your struggles with family life and all the countless tasks you perform as Mothers does not go unnoticed. You are loved and as a Parish Priest I want you to know that I do not take you for granted. My prayer for you is you have a blessed and happy Mothers day and you get the chance to sit and relax and ponder on how much you are loved. Where would we be without our Mothers?
The Church puts great emphasis on Saint Joseph and for good reason. As foster father of Jesus and taking care of the young Saviour and looking after his Most Blessed Mother Mary, he is among the most distinguished figures in Christianity.
And yet while Saint. Joseph’s role in Scripture is small, quiet, and subdued in comparison to his son, of all the saints over the Church’s many generations, he remains among the most relatable.
He has been the subject of great devotion for centuries and not without reason. It is worthy of note that of his many patronages are included travellers, craftsmen, workers, expectant mothers, fathers, and families.
In short, he is a man of the ordinary, the humdrum, the standard and the everyday.
For the vast majority of all humans who have ever lived, the sum total of their lives is not known to the entire world or of particular note to the masses. Most will live a fairly simple life, and this is a fine existence, which should not be discounted.
Fathers, a weight sits on your shoulders, you dads have such a responsibility for the care of your family. Dads, I as your Parish Priest know you work so hard for the good of your families. You too are faced with the struggles of life and all that life throws at you. Be of courage and see in Saint Joseph a man after your own heart, a man that persevered until the end. Entrust your Fatherhood to this Foster Father and he will not let you down.
Mothers and Fathers keep up the good work you are doing and trust that God not only knows your struggle but is right in there with you!
Jesus Mary and Joseph
We Place All Our Hope And Trust In You
Amen