LE

LE

 

The two letters at the top of this page will take on a different meaning based on when you are reading this article.

 

If you’re reading it on the weekend they will be the 3^rd and 4^th letter of AlLEluia.  If you’re reading it on Wednesday or later, they will be the first two letters of the season:  Lent.

 

On Sunday (the 8^th Sunday of ordinary time) we will hear another portion of Matthew’s gospel.  Jesus continues to preach to the people (and to us) about putting aside the worries of life and trusting in God’s providence.

 

Our liturgy will begin and end with AlLEluias. 

 

The prelude, “Seek Ye First” (#434) is based on today's portion of Matthew’s gospel.  It was written in 1972, the early days of what might be referred to as “folk music.”  In addition to the three verses there is a refrain which consists simply of the word of the day: AlLEluia!

 

The recessional hymn; “Tell the Good News” (#386) is a succinct recap of the gospel of the past 7 weeks.  Jesus came to heal and affirm that all people are God’s children. 

 

*****

 

If you’re reading this on Wednesday or later it is the season of LEnt.   During this season we will no longer use the word to which I referred in the first part of this article. 

 

Ironically, we will hear the part of Matthew’s gospel just prior to the one heard on Sunday.  In it Jesus instructs the disciples on the spirit in which they should pray and to make sacrifices in his name.  I”ve always found it interesting that the church presents us with this reading on the day where Christians walk around marked with such an obvious sign.

 

One of the songs we will sing both today and throughout Lent is “In These Days of Lenten Journey” (#127)  Notice the call to Christian service throughout the lyrics.

 

This past week members of our social concerns ministry brought Hearts of Hope to our homebound.  These hand painted ceramics were made by the children of the parish and included a card with a message of love from the children. 

Here is an excerpt from an e-mail I received from a member of our team

       I called .....  She lives one block from me and was the    

       sweetest thing ever (on the phone.)  She told me she's  

       going to be 97 years old in April!!!  I'm looking forward to 

       seeing her tomorrow.

If you’d like to be part of our social concerns ministry you can contact me via e-mail b.mauro1@yahoo.com or by calling the parish center.

BLEssed to be serving at St. Mary’s,

 

Bruce