See. Believe. Rejoice.: Reflections and insights for Laetare Sunday

Pink is in again this Sunday, as the Church celebrates Laetare Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Lent, another little break from the penitent character of the season. This Sunday is one of only two Sundays wherein rose vestments can be used to replace purple; the other one being Gaudete Sunday (the Third Sunday of Advent).

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READINGS AND PROPERS

Extraordinary Form (Laetare Sunday)

Rose or Purple

First Class Semi-double

[STATION AT THE HOLY CROSS AT JERUSALEM]

INTROIT ¤ Isaias 66. 10, 11

Laetare, Jerusalem: conventum facite omnes qui diligitis eam: gaudete cum laetitia, quia in tristitia fuistis: ut exsultetis, et satiemini ab uberibus consolationis vestrae. -- Laetatus sum in his, quae dicta sunt mihi: in domum Domini ibimus. V.: Gloria Patri . . . -- Laetare, Jerusalem . . .

Rejoice, O Jerusalem: and come together all you that love her: rejoice with joy, you that have been in sorrow: that you may exult, and be filled from the breasts of your consolation. -- (Ps. 121. 1). I rejoiced at the things that were said to me: we shall go into the house of the Lord. V.: Glory to the Father . . . -- Rejoice, O Jerusalem . . .

The Gloria is not said.

   COLLECT.--Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that we who are justly afflicted for our deeds, may be relieved by the consolation of Thy grace. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost . . .

EPISTLE ¤ Galatians 4. 22-31

Lesson from the Epistle of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Galatians.

[The Epistle tells us of our deliverance through the Sacrament of Baptism or through the Sacrament of Penance by which we are restored to Christian liberty. The two sons of Abraham symbolize the two Testaments: Ishmael, son of Agar, represents the Israelites as slaves to the Mosaic law, whilst Isaac, son of Sarah, represents the Gentiles whose faith makes them heirs to the promise.]

   Brethren, It is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman and the other by a free woman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh; but he of the free woman was by promise; which things are said by an allegory. For these are the two testaments. The one from Mount Sinai, engendering unto bondage: which is Agar; for Sinai is a mountain in Arabia, which hath affinity to that Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But that Jerusalem which is above is free, which is our mother. For it is written: Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not: break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for many are the children of the desolate, more than of her that hath a husband. Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then he that was born according to the flesh persecuted him that was after the spirit: so also it is now. But what saith the Scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. So then, brethren, we are not the children of the bondwoman but of the free: by the freedom wherewith Christ has made us free.

GRADUAL ¤ Ps. 121. 1, 7

Laetatus sum in his, quae dicta sunt mihi: in domum Domini ibimus. V.: Fiat pax in virtute tua: et abundantia in turribus tuis.

I rejoiced at the things that were said to me: we shall go into the house of the Lord. V.: Let peace by in Thy strength: and abundance in Thy towers.

TRACT ¤ Ps. 124. 1-2

Qui confidunt in Domino, sicut mons Sion: non commovebitur in aeternum, qui habitat in Jerusalem. V.: Montes in circuitu ejus: et Dominus in circuitu populi sui, ex hoc nunc et usque in saeculum.

They that trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Sion: he shall not be moved for ever that dwelleth in Jerusalem. V.: Mountains are round about it: so the Lord is round about His people, from henceforth now and for ever.

GOSPEL ¤ John 6. 1-15

† Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. John.

[The Gospel tells us of the miracle of the multiplication of loaves and fishes, symbols of Holy Communion.]

   At that time Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is that of Tiberias: and a great multitude followed Him, because they saw the miracles which He did on them that were diseased. Jesus therefore went up into a mountain: and there He sat with His disciples. Now the Pasch, the festival day of the Jews, was near at hand. When Jesus therefore had lifted up His eyes, and seen that a very great multitude cometh to Him, He said to Philip: Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat? And this He said to try him: for He Himself knew what He would do. Philip answered Him: Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one may take a little. One of His disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, saith to Him: There is a boy that hath five barley loaves and two fishes; but what are these among so many? Then Jesus said: Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. The men therefore say down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks, He distributed to them that were set down: in like manner also of the fishes, as much as they would. And when they were filled, He said to His disciples: Gather up the fragments that remain, lest they be lost. They gathered up therefore, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which remained over and above to them that had eaten. Now those men, when they had seen what a miracle Jesus had done, said: This is of a truth the Prophet that is to come into the world. Jesus therefore, when He knew that they would come to take Him by force and make Him king, fled again into the mountain, Himself alone.

OFFERTORY ¤ Ps. 134. 3, 6

Laudate Dominum, quia benignus est: psallite nomini ejus, quoniam suavis est: omnia quaecumque voluit, fecit in coelo et in terra.

Praise ye the Lord, for He is good: sing ye to His Name, for He is sweet: whatsoever He pleased, He hath done in heaven and in earth.

   SECRET.--Look favorably upon these present Sacrifices, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that they may profit us both unto devotion and salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth . . .

PREFACE

Preface for Lent

Vere dignum et justum est, aequum et salutare, nos tibi semper, et ubique gratias agere: Domine sancte, Pater omnipotens, aeterne Deus. Qui corporali jejunio vitia comprimis, mentem elevas, virtutem largiris et praemia: per Christum Dominum nostrum. Per quem majestatem tuam laudant Angeli, adorant Dominationes, tremunt Potestates. Coeli, coelorumque Virtutes, ac beata Seraphim, socia exsultatione concelebrant. Cum quibus et nostras voces, ut admitti jubeas deprecamur, supplici confessione dicentes:

It is truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God; Who by this bodily fast, dost curb our vices, dost lift up our minds and bestow on us strength and rewards; through Christ our Lord. Through whom the Angels praise Thy Majesty, the Dominations worship it, the Powers stand in awe. The Heavens and the heavenly hosts together with the blessed Seraphim in triumphant chorus unite to celebrate it. Together with these we entreat Thee that Thou mayest bid our voices also to be admitted while we say with lowly praise:

COMMUNION ¤ Ps. 83. 4, 5

Jerusalem, quae aedificatur ut civitas, cujus participatio ejus in idipsum: illuc enim ascenderunt tribus, tribus Domini, ad confitendum nomini tuo, Domino.

Jerusalem, which is built as a city, which is compact together: for thither did the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, to praise Thy Name, O Lord.

   POSTCOMMUNION.--Grant, we beseech Thee, O merciful God, that we may celebrate with sincere homage and ever receive with faithful minds Thy holy mysteries, with which we are constantly filled. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth . . .

Ordinary Form (Fourth Sunday of Lent)

Prophecy: 1 Sam. 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a (1-13)

In those days: The Lord said to Samuel:

(How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, whom I have rejected from reigning over Israel?)

Fill thy horn with oil, and come, that I may send thee to Isai*, the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.

(And Samuel said: How shall I go? for Saul will hear of it, and he will kill me. And the Lord said: Thou shalt take with thee a calf of the herd, and thou shalt say: I am come to sacrifice to the Lord. And thou shalt call Isai to the sacrifice, and I will shew thee what thou art to do, and thou shalt anoint him whom I shall shew to thee. Then Samuel did as the Lord had said to him. And he came to Bethlehem, and the ancients of the city wondered, and meeting him, they said: Is thy coming hither peaceable? And he said: It is peaceable: I am come to offer sacrifice to the Lord, be ye sanctified, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Isai and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice.)

And when they were come in, he saw Eliab, and said: Is the Lord's anointed before him? And the Lord said to Samuel: Look not on his countenance, nor on the height of his stature: because I have rejected him, nor do I judge according to the look of man: for man seeth those things that appear, but the Lord beholdeth the heart.

(And Isai called Abinadab, and brought him before Samuel. And he said: Neither hath the Lord chosen this, And Isai brought Samma, and he said of him: Neither hath the Lord chosen this. )

Isai therefore brought his seven sons before Samuel: and Samuel said to Isai: The Lord hath not chosen any one of these. And Samuel said to Isai: Are here all thy sons? He answered: There remaineth yet a young one, who keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said to Isai: Send, and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither. He sent therefore and brought him. Now he was ruddy and beautiful to behold, and of a comely face. And the Lord said: Arise, and anoint him, for this is he. Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren.

(And the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward: and Samuel rose up, and went to Ramatha.)

Responsorial: Ps. 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6

R: The Lord is my Shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

The Lord ruleth me:

and I shall want nothing.

He hath set me in a place of pasture.

He hath brought me up, on the water of refreshment:

He hath converted my soul.

He hath led me on the paths of justice,

for his own name's sake.

For though I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evils, for thou art with me.

Thy rod and thy staff,

they have comforted me.

Thou hast prepared a table before me

against them that afflict me.

Thou hast anointed my head with oil;

and my chalice which inebreateth me,

how goodly is it!

And thy mercy will follow me

all the days of my life.

And that I may dwell in the house of the Lord

unto length of days.

Epistle: Eph. 5:8-14

Brethren: Ye were heretofore darkness, but now light in the Lord. Walk then as children of the light. For the fruit of the light is in all goodness and justice and truth: Proving what is well pleasing to God. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness: but rather reprove them. For the things that are done by them in secret, it is a shame even to speak of. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for all that is made manifest is light. Wherefore he saith: Rise, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead: and Christ shall enlighten thee.

Gospel: Jn. 9:1-41

At that time: as Jesus was passing by, he saw a man who was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him: Rabbi, who hath sinned, this man or his parents, that he should be born blind?

Jesus answered: Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents; but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. I must work the works of him that sent me, whilst it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

When he had said these things, he spat on the ground and made clay of the spittle and spread the clay upon his eyes, And said to him: Go, wash in the pool of Siloe, which is interpreted, Sent. He went therefore and washed: and he came seeing.

The neighbours, therefore, and they who had seen him before that he was a beggar, said: Is not this he that sat and begged? Some said: This is he. But others said: No, but he is like him. But he said: I am he.

They said therefore to him: How were thy eyes opened?  He answered: That man that is called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me: Go to the pool of Siloe and wash. And I went: I washed: and I see. And they said to him: Where is he? He saith: I know not. They bring him that had been blind to the Pharisees.

Now it was the sabbath, when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes. Again therefore the Pharisees asked him how he had received his sight. But he said to them: He put clay upon my eyes: and I washed: and I see.

Some therefore of the Pharisees said: This man is not of God, who keepeth not the sabbath. But others said: How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.

They say therefore to the blind man again: What sayest thou of him that hath opened thy eyes? And he said: He is a prophet. The Jews then did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind and had received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight, And asked them, saying: Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then doth he now see? His parents answered them and said: We know that this is our son and that he was born blind: But how he now seeth, we know not: or who hath opened his eyes, we know not. Ask himself: he is of age: Let him speak for himself.

These things his parents said, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had already agreed among themselves that if any man should confess him to be Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue. Therefore did his parents say: He is of age. Ask himself.

They therefore called the man again that had been blind and said to him: Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner. He said therefore to them: If he be a sinner, I know not. One thing I know, that whereas I was blind. now I see. They said then to him: What did he to thee? How did he open thy eyes?

He answered them: I have told you already, and you have heard. Why would you hear it again? Will you also become his disciples?

They reviled him therefore and said: Be thou his disciple; but we are the disciples of Moses. We know that God spoke to Moses: but as to this man, we know not from whence he is.

The man answered and said to them: why, herein is a wonderful thing, that you know not from whence he is, and he hath opened my eyes. Now we know that God doth not hear sinners: but if a man be a server of God and doth his, will, him he heareth. From the beginning of the world it hath not been heard, that any man hath opened the eyes of one born blind. Unless this man were of God, he could not do anything.

They answered and said to him: Thou wast wholly born in sins; and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.

Jesus heard that they had cast him out. And when he had found him, he said to him: Dost thou believe in the Son of God? He answered, and said: Who is he, Lord, that I may believe in him? And Jesus said to him: Thou hast both seen him; and it is he that talketh with thee. And he said: I believe, Lord. And falling down, he adored him.

And Jesus said: For judgment I am come into this world: that they who see not may see; and they who see may become blind. And some of the Pharisees, who were with him, heard: and they said unto him: Are we also blind? Jesus said to them: If you were blind, you should not have sin: but now you say: We see. Your sin remaineth.

*-Isai=Jesse, father of David, ancestor of Jesus

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REFLECTIONS AND INSIGHTS

"Laetare, Ierusalem: conventum facite omnes qui diligitis eam...in domum Domini ibimus."

"Rejoice, O Jerusalem! Gather round, all ye who love her! We will go into the house of the Lord!"

These are the prominent words of the Introit of this Sunday. A break from the penance.

Aside from the fact that we have recently celebrated the Feast of St. Joseph and the Solemnity of the Annunciation, there is also another reason for us to celebrate, even in a short-lived manner: The miracles of Jesus featured in the Gospels of the Two Forms of the Roman Rite.

In the Ordinary, we hear the miracle of Jesus, the Son of David, which He did in the blind man on the Sabbath. Christ also introduced Himself as the Light of the world in this Gospel--the Light which the blind man first saw once his sight was restored. This Light was the one which Samuel saw in the young David when God appointed this son of Jesse to be the shepherd of His people, second only to Him who is the Good Shepherd. St. Paul also exhorted the Ephesians that all Christians must walk as children of light.

On the other hand, the Extraordinary Form features the feeding of the five thousand, one of the most known stories about Christ's teaching on the Holy Eucharist. (The Bread of Life discourse comes after these verses of the Gospel.) Paul allegorized Ismael and Isaac with the Jews and the Gentiles, respectively; telling the Galatians that the Jews were bound by the Mosaic law and that they must follow it to the simplest detail and letter in order to obtain salvation, while the Gentiles, by the redeeming act of Christ on Calvary, were promised of salvation through worshiping in spirit and in truth, and through the reception of the Sacraments Christ Himself have established by mandating His Apostles to dispense them to the faithful.

To compare and synthesise, the readings and propers for this day focus on the senses of taste and of sight, where we taste and see the goodness of the Lord--by satisfying the hungry crowd, by giving sight to the blind--and in both stories, preaching this goodness. There is no other comparison we can make on this combined thought than us comparing it with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. We are not only taught of God's ways, but we also marvel at our Lord in the appearance of bread and wine. And to think this is enough, The Lord also bids us to receive Himself worthily in Holy Communion.

In a personal note: We Catholics must be thankful that our Lord would like to enter into our senses so that we may utilise our reproductive, physiological, and human faculties for the greater glory of God, and use them to the fullest. The more we remain faithful to Him, the greater our reward would be. But to achieve it, we must do a reality check every now and then; and that is the use of the Sacrament of Penance, wherein we can confess our sins before God and before men, in the person of the priest. Besides, we can neither see nor believe something we do not fully grasp until we realise to ourselves that we have to be like that blind man who wants to see the light, or be part of that crowd who would like his mind, heart, and stomach to be filled, yet ended up witnessing a miracle.

We rejoice for the reason why we live our lives as Christians draw near. But it is short-lived for the reason that we must witness first the death of our Lord before we can fully celebrate the glories of Easter, of our Lord's victory over death.

And so we ask: Am I brave enough to ask for God's bountiful mercy in order for us to hear, taste, and see the goodness of the Lord?

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PRAYING THE COLLECT

O God, who through Thy Word reconcile the human race to Thyself in a wonderful way, grant, we beseech Thee, that with prompt devotion and eager faith the Christian people may hasten toward the solemn celebrations to come. Grant, we beseech Thee, that we who are justly afflicted for our deeds, may be relieved by the consolation of Thy grace.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost: One God, world without end. Amen. 

Sublime obedience, fearless conviction: Reflections and insights on the Solemnity of the Annunciation

Before everything else, I would like to congratulate my fellow Admin at 100% Katolikong Pinoy!, Ryan Rayos, for his appointment as one of the new officers of YouthPinoy, the social media arm of the Episcopal Commision on Youth of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines which is supervised by the CBCP Media Office. Ryan now heads the four-man Logistics Committee of the organization.

Now, as promised, I will dish out to you the readings and propers for the Solemnity of the Annunciation. I cannot do it on a Monday night because for Christian workmen like me, a Monday is a Monday no matter how sweet the Sunday was. (And yeah, it was a sweet Sunday for me, indeed.)

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READINGS AND PROPERS

Extraordinary Form (Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary)

White

Double 1 Cl.

This is the great festival of the Incarnation, commemorating the announcement by the Archangel Gabriel to Our Lady that the Divine Son of God, the Word, would take human nature upon Him in her virginal womb. Its date is determined by that of Christmas Day, and as the day which marked the beginning of Christian dispensation it was for many centuries regarded as the first day of the civil year.

On this day the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, uniting for evermore our human nature to the Divine nature. The Mystery of the Incarnation brings vividly before us the boundless condescension and humility of God the Son in stooping to our condition in order to be our Savior. Equally it proclaims the glory and greatness of Mary, who was chosen to give to the Divine Word human flesh and human birth, and so to co-operate with God in the restoration of mankind. Hence, her most glorious title of "Mother of God," which explains all her glories, her sanctity and her honor.

INTROIT ¤ Ps. 44. 13, 15, 16

Vultum tuum deprecabuntur omnes divites plebis: adducentur Regi virgines post eam: proximae ejus adducentur tibi in laetitia ex exsultatione. [T. P.Alleluia, alleluia.] -- Eructavit cor meum verbum bonum: dico ego opera mea Regi. V.: Gloria Patri . . . -- Vultum tuum . . .

All the rich among the people shall entreat Thy countenance: after her shall virgins be brought to the King: her neighbors shall be brought to thee in gladness and rejoicing. [P. T. Alleluia, alleluia.] -- (Ps. 44. 2) My heart hath uttered a good word: I speak my works to the King. V.: Glory to the Father . . . -- All the rich among the people shall entreat . . .

COLLECTS.--O God, who didst will that Thy Word should take flesh, at the message of an Angel, in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary, grant to Thy suppliant people, that we who believe her to be truly the Mother of God, may be helped by her intercession with Thee. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth . . .

   Grant to us Thy servants, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, that we may enjoy perpetual health of mind and body: and through the intercession of the Blessed Mary ever Virgin may be delivered from present sorrow and enjoy everlasting gladness. Through our Lord Jesus Christ thy Son . . .

EPISTLE ¤ Isaias 7. 10-15

Lesson from the Prophet Isaias.

[A Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and His Name shall be called Emmanuel.]

In those days the Lord spoke to Achaz, saying: Ask thee a sign of the Lord thy God, either unto the depth of hell, or unto the height above. And Achaz said: I will not ask, and I will not tempt the Lord. And He said: hear ye therefore, O house of David: Is it a small thing for you to be grievous to men, that you are grievous to my God also? Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign. Behold a Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and His Name shall be called Emmanuel. He shall eat butter and honey, that He may know to refuse the evil, and to choose the good.

GRADUAL ¤ Ps. 44. 3, 5

Diffusa est gratia in labiis tuis: propterea benedixit te Deus in aeternum. V.: Propter veritatem, et mansuetudinem, et justitiam: et deducet te mirabiliter dextera tua.

Grace is poured abroad in thy lips; therefore hath God blessed thee forever. V.: Because of truth and meekness, and justice; and thy right hand shall conduct thee wonderfully.

TRACT ¤ Ps. 44. 11, 12

Audi filia, et vide, et inclina aurem tuam: quia concupivit Rex speciem tuam. V.: Vultum tuum deprecabuntur omnes divites plebis: filiae regum in honore tuo. V.: Adducentur Regi virgines post eam: proximae ejus afferentur tibi. V.: Afferentur in laetitia, et exsultatione: adducentur in templum Regis.

Hearken, O daughter, and see, incline thy ear: for the King hath greatly desired thy beauty. V.: All the rich shall entreat thy countenance: the daughters of kings in thine honor. V.: After her shall virgins be brought to the King: her neighbors shall be brought to thee. V.: They shall be brought with gladness and rejoicing: they shall be brought into the temple of the King.

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During Eastertide the Gradual and the Tract are omitted and the following Alleluia is said:

Alleluia, alleluia. V.: Ave Maria, gratia plena: Dominus tecum: benedicta tu in mulieribus. Alleluia. V.: Virga Jesse floruit: Virgo Deum et hominem genuit: pacem Deus reddidit, in se reconcilians ima summis. Alleluia.

Alleluia, alleluia. V.: Hail Mary, full of grace: the Lord is with thee: Blessed art thou among women. Alleluia. (Numbers 17. 8). The rod of Jesse hath blossomed: a virgin hath brought forth God and man: God hath given peace, reconciling the lowest with the highest in Himself. Alleluia.

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GOSPEL ¤ Luke 1. 26-28

† Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke.

[Gospel of the Annunciation by the Angel to the Blessed Virgin Mary.]

At that time the Angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth, to a virgin, espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. And the Angel being come in, said unto her: Hail, full of grace: the Lord is with thee: Blessed art thou among women. Who having heard, was troubled at his saying: and thought within herself what manner of salutation this should be. And the Angel said to her: Fear not, Mary, for thous hast found grace with God: behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His Name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of David His father: and He shall reign in the house of Jacob for ever, and of His kingdom there shall be no end. And Mary said to the Angel: How shall this be done, because I know not man? And the Angel answering said to her: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee, and therefore also the Holy which shall be born of thee, shall be called the Son of God. And behold thy cousin Elizabeth, she also hath conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her that is called barren: because no word shall be impossible with God. And Mary said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to thy word.

OFFERTORY ¤ Luke 1. 28, 42

Ave Maria, gratia plena: Dominus tecum: benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructris ventris tui. [T. P. Alleluia.]

Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women and blessed in the fruit of thy womb. [P. T. Alleluia.]

SECRETS.--Strengthen in our minds, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the mysteries of the true faith; that we who confess Him who was conceived of a Virgin to be true God and man, may deserve by the power of His saving resurrection, to attain to eternal happiness. Through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth . . .

By Thy gracious mercy, O Lord, and by the intercession of Blessed Mary ever Virgin, may this oblation avail us for peace and welfare both now and forevermore. Through our Lord Jesus Christ thy Son . . .

PREFACE

Preface of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin

Vere dignum et justum est, aequum et salutare, nos tibi semper, et ubique gratias agere: Domine sancte, Pater omnipotens, aeterne Deus. Et te in Annuntiatione beatae Mariae semper Virginis collaudare, benedicere, et praedicare. Quae et Unigenitum tuum Sancti Spiritus obumbratione concepit: et virginitatis gloria permanente, lumen aeternum mundo effudit, Jesum Christum Dominum nostrum. Per quem majestatem tuam laudant Angeli, adorant Dominationes, tremunt Potestates. Coeli, coelorumque Virtutes, ac beata Seraphim, socia exsultatione concelebrant. Cum quibus et nostras voces, ut admitti jubeas deprecamur, supplici confessione dicentes:

It is truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God: and that we should praise and bless, and proclaim Thee, in the Annunciation of the Blessed Mary, ever-Virgin: Who also conceived Thine only-begotten Son by the overshadowing of the Holy Ghost, and the glory of her virginity still abiding, gave forth to the world the everlasting Light, Jesus Christ our Lord. Through whom the Angels praise Thy Majesty, the Dominations worship it, and the Powers stand in awe. The Heavens and the heavenly hosts together with the blessed Seraphim in triumphant chorus unite to celebrate it. Together with these we entreat Thee that Thou mayest bid our voices also to be admitted while we say with lowly praise:

COMMUNION ¤ Isaias 7. 14

Ecce Virgo concipiet, et pariet filium: et vocabitur Nomen ejus Emmanuel. [T. P. Alleluia.] Scapulis suis obumbrabit tibi Dominus, et sub pennis ejus serabis: scuto circumdabit te veritas ejus.

Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and His Name shall be called Emmanuel. [P. T. Alleluia.]

POSTCOMMUNIONS.--Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts: that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ Thy Son was made known by the message of an Angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of the Resurrection. Through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son . . .

O Lord, grant, we beseech Thee, that we who have received these aids unto salvation, may be always and everywhere protected by the intercession of Blessed Mary ever Virgin, in veneration of whom we have offered up these gifts to Thy Majesty. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth . . .

Ordinary Form (Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Incarnation of our Lord)

Prophecy: Is. 7:10-14

In those days: The Lord spoke to Achaz, saying: Ask thee a sign of the Lord thy God, either unto the depth of hell, or unto the height above. And Achaz said: I will not ask, and I will not tempt the Lord. And he said: Hear ye therefore, O house of David: Is it a small thing for you to be grievous to men, that you are grievous to my God also? Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign. Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son and his name shall be called Emmanuel.

Responsorial: Ps. 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 11

R: Here I am, Lord: I have come to do Thy will.

Sacrifice and oblation thou didst not desire;

but thou hast pierced ears for me.

Burnt offering and sin offering thou didst not require:

Then said I, Behold I come.

In the head of the book it is written of me

That I should do thy will:

O my God, I have desired it,

and thy law in the midst of my heart.

I have declared thy justice in a great church,

lo, I will not restrain my lips:

O Lord, thou knowest it.

I have not hid thy justice within my heart:

I have declared thy truth and thy salvation.

I have not concealed thy mercy

and thy truth from a great council.

Epistle: Heb. 10:4-10

Brethren: It is impossible that with the blood of oxen and goats sin should be taken away. Wherefore, when he cometh into the world he saith: Sacrifice and oblation thou wouldest not: but a body thou hast fitted to me. Holocausts for sin did not please thee. Then said I: Behold I come: in the head of the book it is written of me: that I should do thy will, O God. In saying before, Sacrifices, and oblations, and holocausts for sin thou wouldest not, neither are they pleasing to thee, which are offered according to the law. Then said I: Behold, I come to do thy will, O God: He taketh away the first, that he may establish that which followeth. In the which will, we are sanctified by the oblation of the body of Jesus Christ once.

Gospel: Lk. 1:26-38

At that time: The angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David: and the virgin's name was Mary.

And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. Who having heard, was troubled at his saying and thought with herself what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said to her: Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb and shalt bring forth a son: and thou shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David his father: and he shall reign in the house of Jacob for ever. And of his kingdom there shall be no end. And Mary said to the angel: How shall this be done, because I know not man? And the angel answering, said to her: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And behold thy cousin Elizabeth, she also hath conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her that is called barren. Because no word shall be impossible with God.

And Mary said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it done to me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

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REFLECTIONS AND INSIGHTS  

The history of the Church starts in that little room where the Blessed Virgin Mary was found by the Angel of God praying and contemplating in  the Scriptures. Probably, she was contemplating on the Prophecy of Isaias on the Emmanuel. She might be contemplating on how would a virgin bear a son, and that he shall be called "Emmanuel".

(For the third time in this blog, I am theorizing why is the Prophecy of Isaias listed at the head of the second half of the prophecies in the Old Testament, and how I theorize the idea that the early Church highly venerated the belief that all that was said in that prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus Christ that the Church Fathers of that time put the Prophecy at a place of precedence over the other prophecies arranged after the Psalms and the Proverbs.)

Mary's wondering was turned into a surprise. She would be that Virgin. The Child within her, Jesus, shall be called the Son of the Most High, the Son of God--truly, the Emmanuel: the God who is with us.

The Responsorial and the Epistle of the Ordinary Form tackle the mission of Jesus Christ, the Son of Mary. His response to His Father was perfectly summed up in this statement: "Here am I, Lord: I have come to do Thy will". Just to relate: Jesus also taught this virtue of committing one's self to God as He inserted this statement in the prayer He famously made: "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Therefore, the obedience of Jesus, the Son of God, even to the point of death on the cross was not only because He deliberately chose to suffer and die for us all, but because Mary taught Him about obedience; because she herself proclaimed herself as "the handmaid of the Lord."

If we relate the Gospel on this day to the Gospel for the Third Sunday in Lent in the Old Rite, we see a continuing story of praise to Mary. First, it was the angel who told her: "Hail, full of grace!" Then, in the ministry of Christ, in the specific story of Him driving out a demon from a possessed man, a woman told her: "Blessed is the womb that bore Thee, and the paps that gave Thee suck!" in which Jesus shyly augmented the praise to His Mother with the words: "Blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it."

Well, the whole story and the celebration of the Incarnation of Christ is very, very familiar. But is there a deeper meaning to this?

The answer: Yes, there is.

The world is no longer appreciating the value of human life. Those who live according to the flesh make it a point to excuse their promiscuity as human nature, and by this, distorting the very way how we should live.

And what's worse: The world would like to take God out of its daily grind.

Case in point: The Philippines and the Church's war against the Reproductive Health Law, which the Supreme Court withheld in order to review the said statute whether it is constitutional or not. The Church's stand is very clear: IT IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL.

As per Article II, Sections 11 and 12 of the 1987 Constitution, "(Section 11) The State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights. (Section 12) The State recognizes the sanctity of family life and shall protect and strengthen the family as a basic autonomous social institution. It shall equally protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception. The natural and primary right and duty of parents in the rearing of the youth for civic efficiency and the development of moral character shall receive the support of the Government."

Furthermore, Section 5 of the Constitution's Bill of Rights (Article III) states the following:

Section 5. No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed. No religious test shall be required for the exercise of civil or political rights.

…and yet, many of those who support the RH Law persecute religious groups who stand for moral development just because they believe in God.

We can even examine that a whole Article is devoted by the authors of this Constitution to promote family life.

Article XV states that:

Section 1. The State recognizes the Filipino family as the foundation of the nation. Accordingly, it shall strengthen its solidarity and actively promote its total development.

Section 2. Marriage, as an inviolable social institution, is the foundation of the family and shall be protected by the State.

Section 3. The State shall defend:

1. The right of spouses to found a family in accordance with their religious convictions and the demands of responsible parenthood;
2. The right of children to assistance, including proper care and nutrition, and special protection from all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation and other conditions prejudicial to their development;
   The right of the family to a family living wage and income; and
3. The right of families or family associations to participate in the planning and implementation of policies and programs that affect them.

Section 4. The family has the duty to care for its elderly members but the State may also do so through just programs of social security.

(All emphases supplied by Yours Truly.)

Therefore, shame on those who twist these provisions from the most fundamental law of the land, even though they are part of those who primarily promulgated it.

On a personal note: I really don't know why people who are for "progress", development, "free choice", "gender equality", gay "marriage" and other moral distortions would like to discredit Holy Mother Church for things which she have never made, officially or otherwise. But here is what I can say about the Church speaking up about this moral question: The Pope has the power of infallibility in an ex cathedra proclamation on doctrines regarding faith and morals. And even if Pope Francis may have a clumsy mouth and a wishy-washy thought, as most conservatives and ultratraditionalists say and as he admits by the fact that he, though the Vicar of Christ on earth, needs the prayers of the flock the Lord entrusts to him, so far, we can say that his message is clear: LIFE IS SACRED, NO MATTER ITS STATE IS.

The sublime holiness of Jesus and Mary must be responded with a fearless conviction--a conviction which we are called to be saints and sent forth as heroes. We must choose to be brave because the Lord commanded us to be such. If we have to die in order for this generation to realise that life is never to be wasted by committing the worst of sins and the most abominable acts of promiscuity and selfishness, so be it. Besides, the Lord who became one of us except in sin died for the sinful and for the most hard-headed people who ever walked the earth.

For my part, if death is the only way for the culture of life to be victorious, I myself am willing to die just as Christ died for us.

Although this Solemnity is supposed to be a little break from the Lenten penance, the wisdom of the Church celebrating the Incarnation in the middle of the season is a very clear reminder that the Son of the living God, in all His glory, came as an Infant who was destined to die in shame.

And so we ask: Will I choose bravery over selfishness? Will I be willing to be like Jesus and Mary, who accepted the divine will?

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PRAYING THE COLLECT  

O God, who didst will that Thy Word should take flesh, at the message of an Angel, in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary, grant to Thy suppliant people, that we who believe her to be truly the Mother of God, may be helped by her intercession with Thee. Grant to us Thy servants, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, that we may enjoy perpetual health of mind and body: and through the intercession of the Blessed Mary ever Virgin may be delivered from present sorrow and enjoy everlasting gladness.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost: One God, world without end. Amen. 

A Thirst for Holiness: reflections and insights on the Third Sunday of Lent

Hello there, again!

I will post twice this week. This one is for the Third Sunday in the Lenten Season, while I will also post tomorrow the propers on the Solemnity of the Annunciation. It's also been a year since I graduated from college, so pardon me if I will intersperse in these back-to-back reflections some "throwback thoughts" that I failed to write on a Thursday (well, I hope you all know what I mean).

Here we go…

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READINGS AND PROPERS

Extraordinary Form (Third Sunday in Lent)

[STATION AT ST. LAWRENCE'S OUTSIDE THE WALLS]

INTROIT ¤ Ps. 24. 15, 16

Oculi mei semper ad Dominum, quia ipse evellet de laqueo pedes meos: repice in me, et miserere mei, quoniam unicus et pauper sum ego. -- Ad te, Domine, levavi animam meam: Deus meus, in te confido, non erubescam. V.: Gloria Patri . . . -- Oculi mei semper ad Dominum . . .

My eyes are ever towards the Lord: for He shall pluck my feet out of the snare: look Thou upon me, and have mercy on me; for I am alone and poor. -- (Ps. 24. 1, 2). To Thee, O Lord, have I lifted up my soul: in Thee, O my God, I put my trust; let me be not ashamed. V.: Glory to the Father . . . -- My eyes are ever towards the Lord . . .

The Gloria is not said.

   COLLECT.--We beseech Thee, O almighty God, look upon the desires of Thy humble servants: and stretch forth the right hand of Thy Majesty to be our defense. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth . . .

EPISTLE ¤ Ephesians 5. 1-9

Lesson from the Epistle of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians.

[Let us live as children of the light, performing actions good, just and true.]

   Brethren, Be ye followers of God, as most dear children: and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us and hath delivered Himself for us, an oblation and a sacrifice to God for an odor of sweetness. But fornication, and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not so much as be named among you, as becometh saints: or obscenity, or foolish talking, or scurrility, which is to no purpose: but rather giving of thanks. For know you this, and undersatnd, that no fornicator, or unclean, or covetous person, which is a serving of idols, hath inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the anger of God upon the children of unbelief. Be ye not therefore partakers with them. For you were heretofore darkness: but now light in the Lord. Walk then as children of the light: for the fruit of the light is in all goodness, and justice, and truth.

GRADUAL ¤ Ps. 9. 20, 4

Exsurge, Domine, non praevaleat homo: judicenter gentes in conspectu tuo. V.: In convertendo inimicum meum retrorsum, infirmabuntur, et peribunt a facie tua.

Arise, O Lord, and let not man be strengthened; let the Gentiles be judged in Thy sight. V.: When the enemy shall be turned back, they shall be weakened and perish before Thy face.

TRACT ¤ Ps. 122. 1-3

Ad te levavi oculos meos, qui habitas in coelis. V.: Ecce sicut oculi servorum in manibus dominorum suorum. V.: Et sicut oculi ancillae in manibus dominae suae: ita oculi nostri ad Dominum Deum nostrum donec misereatur nostri. V.: Miserere nobis, Domine, miserere nobis.

To Thee have I lifted up my eyes, who dwellest in heaven. V.: Behold as the eyes of servants are on the hands of their masters. V.: And as the eyes of the handmaid are on the hands of her mistress: so are our eyes unto the Lord our God, until He have mercy on us. V.: Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us.

GOSPEL ¤ Luke 11. 14-28

† Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke.

[Our Lord is in open conflict with Satan. He disarms him and expels him from the body of one possessed.]

   At that time Jesus was casting out a devil, and the same was dumb. And when He had cast out the devil, the dumb spoke, and the multitudes were in admiration by it. But some of them said: He casteth out devils by Beelzebub, the prince of devils. And others, tempting, asked of Him a sign from heaven. But He, seeing their thoughts, said to them: Every kingdom divided against itself shall be brought to desolation, and house upon house shall fall. And if Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because you say that through Beelzebub I cast out devils. Now if I cast out devils by Beelzebub, by whom do your children cast them out? But if I by the finger of God cast out devils; doubtless the kingdom of God is come upon you. When a strong man armed keepeth his court, those things are in peace which he possesseth. But if a stronger than he is come upon him and overcome him, he will take away all his armor wherein he trusted, and will distribute his spoils. He that is not with Me, is against Me: and he that gathereth not with Me scattereth. When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through places without water, seeking rest: and not finding, he saith: I will return into my house whence I came out. And when he is come, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then he goeth and taketh with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and entering in they dwell there. And the last state of that man becomes worse than the first. And it came to pass, as He spoke these things, a certain woman from the crowd, lifting up her voice, said to Him: Blessed is the womb that bore Thee, and the paps that gave Thee suck. But He said: Yea, rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it.

OFFERTORY ¤ Ps. 18. 9-12

Justitiae Domini rectae, laetificantes corda, et judicia ejus dulciora super mel et facum: nam et servus tuus custodit ea.

The justices of the Lord are right, rejoicing hearts, and His judgments are sweeter than honey and the honeycomb: for Thy servant keepeth them.

   SECRET.--May this victim, O Lord, we beseech Thee, cleanse away our sins: and sanctify the bodies and minds of Thy servants for the celebration of the sacrifice. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity . . .

PREFACE

Preface for Lent

Vere dignum et justum est, aequum et salutare, nos tibi semper, et ubique gratias agere: Domine sancte, Pater omnipotens, aeterne Deus. Qui corporali jejunio vitia comprimis, mentem elevas, virtutem largiris et praemia: per Christum Dominum nostrum. Per quem majestatem tuam laudant Angeli, adorant Dominationes, tremunt Potestates. Coeli, coelorumque Virtutes, ac beata Seraphim, socia exsultatione concelebrant. Cum quibus et nostras voces, ut admitti jubeas deprecamur, supplici confessione dicentes:

It is truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God; Who by this bodily fast, dost curb our vices, dost lift up our minds and bestow on us strength and rewards; through Christ our Lord. Through whom the Angels praise Thy Majesty, the Dominations worship it, the Powers stand in awe. The Heavens and the heavenly hosts together with the blessed Seraphim in triumphant chorus unite to celebrate it. Together with these we entreat Thee that Thou mayest bid our voices also to be admitted while we say with lowly praise:

COMMUNION ¤ Ps. 83. 4, 5

Passer invenit sibi domum, et turtur nidum ubi reponat pullos suos: altaria tua, Domine virtutem, Rex meus, et Deus meus: beati qui habitant in domo tua, in saeculum saeculi laudabunt te.

The sparrow hath found herself a house, and the turtle a nest, where she may lay her young ones: Thine altars, O Lord of hosts, my King, and my God: blessed are they that dwell in Thy house, they shall praise Thee for ever and ever.

   POSTCOMMUNION.--In Thy mercy, we beseech Thee, O Lord, do Thou from all guilt and peril absolve us, whom Thou grantest to be sharers in so great a mystery. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who . . .

Ordinary Form (Third Sunday of Lent)

Prophecy: Ex. 17:3-7

In those days: the people were thirsty there for want of water, and murmured against Moses, saying: Why didst thou make us go forth out of Egypt, to kill us and our children, and our beasts with thirst? And Moses cried to the Lord, saying: What shall I do to this people? Yet a little more and they will stone me. And the Lord said to Moses: Go before the people, and take with thee of the ancients of Israel: and take in thy hand the rod wherewith thou didst strike the river, and go. Behold I will stand there before thee, upon the rock Horeb, and thou shalt strike the rock, and water shall come out of it that the people may drink. Moses did so before the ancients of Israel: And he called the name of that place Temptation, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and for that they tempted the Lord, saying: Is the Lord amongst us or not?

Responsorial: Ps. 95: 1-2, 6-7, 8-9

R: If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts.

Come let us praise the Lord with joy:

let us joyfully sing to God our saviour.

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving;

and make a joyful noise to him with psalms.

Come let us adore and fall down:

and weep before the Lord that made us.

For he is the Lord our God:

and we are the people of his pasture

and the sheep of his hand.

To day if you shall hear his voice,

harden not your hearts:

As in the provocation, according to the day of temptation in the wilderness:

where your fathers tempted me, they proved me, and saw my works.

Epistle: Rom. 5:1-2, 5-8 (1-8)

Brethren: Being justified therefore by faith, let us have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access through faith into this grace wherein we stand: and glory in the hope of the glory of the sons of God.

(And not only so: but we glory also in tribulation, knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience trial; and trial hope;)

And hope confoundeth not: because the charity of God is poured forth in our hearts, by the Holy Ghost who is given to us. For why did Christ, when as yet we were weak, according to the time, die for the ungodly? For scarce for a just man will one die: yet perhaps for a good man some one would dare to die. But God commendeth his charity towards us: because when as yet we were sinners according to the time.

Gospel: Jn. 4:5-42

At that time: Jesus cometh to a city of Samaria, which is called Sichar, near the land which Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well. It was about the sixth hour.

There cometh a woman of Samaria, to draw water. Jesus saith to her: Give me to drink. For his disciples were gone into the city to buy meats. Then that Samaritan woman saith to him: How dost thou, being a Jew; ask of me to drink, who am a Samaritan woman? For the Jews do not communicate with the Samaritans. Jesus answered and said to her: If thou didst know the gift of God and who he is that saith to thee: Give me to drink; thou perhaps wouldst have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. The woman saith to him: Sir, thou hast nothing wherein to draw, and the well is deep. From whence then hast thou living water? Art thou greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank thereof, himself and his children and his cattle?

Jesus answered and said to her: Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: but he that shall drink of the water that I will give him shall not thirst for ever. But the water that I will give him shall become in him a fountain of water, springing up into life everlasting.

The woman said to him: Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come hither to draw. Jesus saith to her: Go, call thy husband, and come hither.

The woman answered and said: I have no husband. Jesus said to her: Thou hast said well: I have no husband. For thou hast had five husbands: and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband. This, thou hast said truly.

The woman saith to him: Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. Our fathers adored on this mountain: and you say that at Jerusalem is the place where men must adore.

Jesus saith to her: Woman, believe me that the hour cometh, when you shall neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, adore the Father. You adore that which you know not: we adore that which we know. For salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh and now is, when the true adorers shall adore the Father in spirit and in truth. For the Father also seeketh such to adore him. God is a spirit: and they that adore him must adore him in spirit and in truth.

The woman saith to him: I know that the Messias cometh (who is called Christ): therefore, when he is come, he will tell us all things.

Jesus saith to her: I am he, who am speaking with thee.

And immediately his disciples came. And they wondered that he talked with the woman. Yet no man said: What seekest thou? Or: Why talkest thou with her?

The woman therefore left her waterpot and went her way into the city and saith to the men there: Come, and see a man who has told me all things whatsoever I have done. Is not he the Christ? They went therefore out of the city and came unto him.

In the mean time, the disciples prayed him, saying: Rabbi, eat. But he said to them: I have meat to eat which you know not. The disciples therefore said one to another: Hath any man brought him to eat? Jesus saith to them: My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, that I may perfect his work. Do not you say: There are yet four months, and then the harvest cometh? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes, and see the countries. For they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages and gathereth fruit unto life everlasting: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. For in this is the saying true: That it is one man that soweth, and it is another that reapeth. I have sent you to reap that in which you did not labour. Others have laboured: and you have entered into their labours.

Now of that city many of the Samaritans believed in him, for the word of the woman giving testimony: He told me all things whatsoever I have done. So when the Samaritans were come to him, they desired that he would tarry there. And he abode there two days.

And many more believed in him, because of his own word. And they said to the woman: We now believe, not for thy saying: for we ourselves have heard him and know that this is indeed the Saviour of the world.

 

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REFLECTIONS AND INSIGHTS

We thirst. We always will. It comes in different aspects; but the greatest thirst that we may experience is the thirst for holiness.

In the Gospels of both Forms, we see that this thirst for holiness is both transcending all others (as the Lord endorsed the everlasting "water" in which those who drink it shall never thirst anymore); and is constant (wherein the Lord also cast out demons and explained that apart from Him, no man can do anything (cf. Jn. 15:5)).

The concept of being thirsty is mainly located in the Readings of the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite: starting from the story of the Israelites grumbling out of thirst that they threatened Moses to do something lest he be stoned by them; to the exhortation of St. Paul to the Romans that we thirst for grace and that only God can satisfy it by sending His only Son to take away the sin of the world and pour out the Holy Spirit to all men; to the story of the Samaritan woman whom Jesus have conversed one (very) hot afternoon. (Well, we have to understand that Israel and the Palestine area is part desert, part hills, and part lowlands; so I hope you got what I said.)

As for the two readings of the Old Rite, we tackle in the Gospel that Jesus casted out demons in His own power; yet some in the crowd criticised Him for casting out demons in the name of Beelzebub. Because of this, He explained that "a house is not a house if its members are divided". This also means the same for Holy Mother Church, which is suffering division from within as much as She is suffering persecution from without. In the end most of those who witnessed our Lord speak praised Him, and in the case of the woman mentioned near the end of the Gospel, praised the Blessed Virgin Mary, in whose womb He was bourne.

So what is the bottom line?

We thirst for Christ.

He Himself who exclaimed "I thirst" in the cross, is the one who satisfies our thirst for grace, which only comes from Him. Although only the priest can drink the Blood of Christ in the appearance of wine at Mass, we believe that we are receiving the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus every time we receive Holy Communion; that although His Body is broken and divided and although we cannot receive Him in the appearance of wine, we still receive Him whole and entire.

In a rather poor (and maybe unofficial) comparison, we who thirst for Christ are divided by our whims, specifications, talents, graces, and vocations, yet we remain (and continually strive to be) united under one roof: the Church. We remain to be the Mystical Body of Christ because we always long for Him who is the Head of that Mystical Body.

In a personal note: The mercy of the Lord gave me hope, and although I am not paid for devoting more than six hours just to compose these reflections, in addition to being not recognised for being a staunch Catholic in a school which should be promoting their products who promote Catholicism in the real world as result of the inspiration they have within the classroom, I feel contented that I have done my little and insignificant opinion and insight on the written Word of God and infusing in it insights on the Most Holy Eucharist. (Besides, it is no longer important if I have been given due credit or not.) Although I commit shortcomings in my personal life which affects my life in the online ministry, there is still this inner voice which tells me "Ian Joseph, My son: courage! Learn My ways  and continue to fight for My Church!" And up to this day, I still obey it.

This only means that everyone (yes, every single mortal on earth!) who thirsts for Christ, for the holiness which He Himself practiced, is welcome to drink in the Fountain of Life. For some reason, we can be that Samaritan woman or the woman who praised Mary in both Gospels. We are unknown to many, but the Lord bids us to come and drink for He knows us before we were even conceived. We may have sinned (and I am not ashamed to tell that I am a very dirty sinner), yet the Lord invites us still to drink and be cleansed. We may have some resentment to the Church because we are either disappointed that She cannot defend herself from the persecutions of this world or we are disappointed of her erring sons and daughters--or even both; her Bridegroom still calls us to learn His ways and be filled by the water He gives.

Now, we ask: Am I continuing to be brave by trusting in God's mercy through His invitation to holiness? Will I imitate the Samaritan woman who turned her back from her sinful past to follow the Lord, or the woman who praised Mary, His Mother?

 

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PRAYING THE COLLECT
 

We beseech Thee, O almighty God, look upon the desires of Thy humble servants: and stretch forth the right hand of Thy Majesty to be our defense.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost: One God, world without end. Amen.