Dear friends in Christ

There are several considerations on this Fourth Sunday of Lent. The first comes at the start of the Mass in the words of the Introit or Entrance Antiphon: Laetare Jerusalem… Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her… The joy that the Church celebrates on this Sunday is paradoxically the result of the Cross. There can be no day in our Christian lives without the Cross, but borne and lived with joy. This optimism and lightness of heart makes it possible to live in the world confident as children of God. It also reminds us that Easter is only three weeks away, and therefore to keep-up our spiritual warfare.

The second consideration comes from the Gospel of the Mass: The Parable of the Prodigal Son. Here Jesus gives us a complete catechesis or teaching on the Sacrament of Penance, Confession. We know the story so well: the son leaves home and squanders his inheritance, finds himself destitute, returns home contrite, and the father welcomes him with open arms. As in the Sacrament those four stages of: sorrow, confession of sins, absolution and penance. Use this Lent to discover again the mercy of God and the joy that comes from receiving pardon.

Thirdly, we think of all mothers on this Sunday and how their untiring love keeps us safe and secure. We thank God for the gift of motherhood by which we can know something of the tender love of Almighty God. St Thérèse of Lisieux puts it beautifully: The loveliest masterpiece of the Heart of God is the heart of a mother.

Last Friday—The Annunciation—Pope Francis joined with Bishops around the world to make the Act of Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Let us have great confidence, that by this collegial act, the hearts of the people of violence may be converted before it is too late.

God bless you!

Msgr Kevin Hale