Today is multi faceted [well, it is for me anyway]!! It is Mothering Sunday and my mum came round this morning for lunch, and cream cakes. I was brought tea in bed with cards and flowers which was total luxury. I also made it to early Mass which, on this lovely spring~like day, was such a gift.
Speaking of Mass, today is the Fourth Sunday in Lent also known as Laetare Sunday ~ Laetare = meaning Rejoice ~ so called as the first words uttered for the Entrance Antiphon in the Mass for today are….
“REJOICE JERUSALEM!! Be glad for her, you who love her; rejoice with her, you who mourned for her, and you will find contentment at her consoling breasts.”
On this Laetare Sunday we lift the severity and simplicity of Lent for a short while. For many centuries today has been viewed as the middle day of Lent and symbols of joy are allowed as an encouragement to the faithful on their journey through this season of penance. These symbols include flowers on the altar, the use of the church organ and the priest wearing a lovely rose coloured vestement. Very fetching Fr J looked too!! 😉
On top of all this today is also Jim’s birthday so, very much a day of mixed emotions and blessings and as a result I have leant heavily on my Mother Church. I have steeped myself in her liturgy and loving arms; calling often upon that other mother we revere and love so much in the Catholic faith, Mary. Her huge loss 2000 years ago reflects my feelings today and I find great comfort in that shared suffering.
So, not just a day to celebrate mothers per se but also a day to ‘Rejoice‘ that I have made it half way through Lent without too many stumbles. A day to draw on the comfort and solace found in my wonderful Mother Church and that most famous of mothers, Mary and finally to remember Jim with love. I have a candle burning brightly for him and my last thoughts and prayers tonight will be of and for him.
Today’s picture is of our lovely Holy Father, Pope Benedict dressed in his Laetere Sunday vestements.
“Requiescat in Pace Jim”
Dear Sharon,
Happy Mothering Sunday! It sounds as if you’ve had a lovely day, albeit one touched by the loss of a dear one.
Your thoughts on Mother Church and Blessed Mother Mary are so true and correct. It seems the first, first birthday, first holiday without a loved one are the touchstones we always remember. But your faith is carrying you to a higher level of spiritual growth, and I think that is one of Lent’s lessons.
May the last few weeks of Lent be one of continued love and growth.
As you can see, I have a new e-mail.
With love and prayers,
Gail
Hi Gail ~ lovely to ‘see’ you xx. Hope you had a lovely day yesterday as well ~ did you get spoilt a bit by your family??
Yes, these firsts are a killer aren’t they?? I realised yesterday that [thankfully] the anniversary of Jim’s death is actually during the Easter holiday so I’ll be able to go to Olney Green Burial site, where we laid his ashes, on that day. I plan to be there for the exact time that he died. I was really dreading the thought of having to work and am now so relieved that that won’t be the case.
I hope Lent is a time of spiritual renewal and love for you also.
Every blessing
Sharon xx
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Am glad you had a lovely day sweetie xx (if tinged with sadness) and how nice you were able to find church provided a strong support
I have been mindful that we are approaching the time that Jim died last year … do remind me of when so I can pray/think of you & mum
I actually found church a real blessing yesterday ~ we all received a gladioli bulb wrapped by the children (daffodils being in short supply lol) & there were some lovely prayers acknowledging mothers as both those with physical and spiritual children, and to to top if off I was in creche!!
blessings & love
A xx
Hey sweetie ~ yes, that time of year already. Jim died on the 15th April at 1.50pm if I remember rightly.
Sounds like you had a lovely day on Sunday AND creche too?? Bet you were in your element!! I was thinking of you…..
every blessing
S xx
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