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Tramore & Carbally Parish Newslink Sunday 14 th March 2021 4th Sunday of Lent Reflection for 4 th Sunday in Lent Out into the light Today, the ‘middle’ Sunday of Lent, is known as Laetare Sunday – Laetare means ‘Rejoice!’ We tend not to think of Lent as a time to rejoice, but signs of joy are central at Mass today, such as the use of flowers on the altar and rose-coloured vestments for the priest instead of the usual Lenten purple. The shadow of the cross still looms large, but we look forward with hope to Easter, when light will conquer the darkness. We are offered an opportunity today to pause and reflect on our Lenten journey. In our gospel we hear that ‘the [person] who lives by the truth comes out into the light’. On the other hand, Jesus says that those who ‘prefer darkness to the light’ live in fear that their actions will be exposed. We hear a lot of talk these days about transparency. We have seen the damage caused by those whose private actions gravely contradict the message they proclaim in the public sphere. Some questions we might ask ourselves this Lent are: Am I living a truthful life ‘in the light’? Am I honest in my dealings with others, trying always to choose what is right and just, or are there things I do in secret that are unkind or dishonest? Am I attentive to the needs of others or am I more inclined to think of myself? Lent offers us the opportunity to step out into the light, to allow the light of Jesus to sweep away any darkness or destructive habits and to begin again. ‘We proclaim the resurrection of Christ when his light illuminates the dark moments of our existence, and we are able share it with others; when we know when to smile with those who smile, and weep with those who weep; when we accompany those who are sad and at risk of losing hope; when we recount our experience of faith to those who are searching for meaning and happiness… and there – with our attitude, with our witness, with our life – we say ‘Jesus is Risen,’ with our soul.’ (Pope Francis) Triona Doherty Holy Cross Church, Tramore Mass will be streamed from Holy Cross Church each week day at 10.00am, Sundays and Holy days at 10.30am. Visit the parish website www.tramoreparish.ie Click on “Live Stream” on the homepage when the services are on.For anyone who does not have access to online services: Tramore Parish Radio Services are broadcast From Holy Cross Church, Tramore at 10.am from Monday to Sat and 10.30am on Sunday on your radio 105.4FM The Church will be open for private prayer from Mon to Sat: 11.00am-4pm (except Thurs) EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT on Thurs from 11am until 5pm. Sunday opening 11.30am-4pm. PRIEST ON DUTY 086-6004384 ------------------------------------ DO YOU WANT TO FAST THIS LENT? IN THE WORDS OF POPE FRANCIS Fast from hurting words and say kind words. Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude. Fast from anger and be filled with patience. Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope. Fast from worries and trust in God. Fast from complaints, contemplate simplicity. Fast from pressures and be prayerful. Fast from bitterness; fill your hearts with joy. Fast from selfishness and be compassionate. Fast from grudges and be reconciled. Fast from word; be silent and listen. Prayers for Season of Lent Prayer for God to bring beauty from ashes: Dear God, In this season of Lent, we’re reminded of our own difficulties and struggles. Sometimes the way has seemed too dark. Sometimes we feel like our lives have been marked by such grief and pain, we don’t see how our circumstance can ever change. But in the midst of our weakness, we ask that you would be strong on our behalf. Lord, rise up within us, let your Spirit shine out of every broken place we’ve walked through. Allow your power to be manifest through our own weakness, so that others will recognize it is You who is at work on our behalf. We ask that you would trade the ashes of our lives for the beauty of your Presence. Trade our mourning and grief for the oil of joy and gladness from your Spirit. Trade our despair for hope and praise. We choose to give you thanks today and believe that this season of darkness will fade away. Thank you that you are with us in whatever we face and that you are greater than this trial. We know and recognize that you are Sovereign, we thank you for the victory that is ours because of Christ Jesus, and we are confident that you have good still in store for our future. We thank you that you are at work right now, trading our ashes for greater beauty. We praise you, for you make all things new. in Jesus’ Name, Amen. Debbie McDaniel.
