+ Today, the Fourth Sunday of Lent, is Laetare “Rejoice” Sunday from the Church’s perspective.
The naming of the Sunday comes from the first Latin word of the Entrance Chant (or
as it was known: Introit) of the Day
“Laetare, Jerusalem” – Rejoice Jerusalem and all who love her. Be
joyful, all who were in mourning: exult and be satisfied!
This
Liturgical year the Church has three reasons to rejoice: the first, Lent
is half way over now: the time of repentance and renewal is well underway, and
signs of results may be beginning to show forth (this is cause for rejoicing):
it may have been a difficult Lent thus far for some, but this is so that the
results will be that much more sweet on Easter Sunday.
The
second cause for rejoicing comes from the familiar gospel
passage: the prodigal son “comes to his senses” in his process of purification
and restructuring and he returns to his waiting father who rejoices immensely
to see him come and who initiates a very large and jubilant party on his
arrival - (the older son, however
refuses to join in the festivities because his own process of purification and
renewal has not yet been completed - we never do find out if it ever is
completed – we pray though that it is, because so many can identify not only
with the younger son, but the older one as well.)
The
third cause for excitement today is that we will be
administering the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick after this homily. Not
only does the Father wish to forgive our sins (as we just reflected in the
story of the Prodigal Son), he also wants to bind up our wounds (of mind, body
and spirit), pour oil on them and infuse the gift of the Holy Spirit to
strengthen, heal and forgive sin. It is a wonderful sacrament that is not
reserved for your last breath any longer, but for anyone over age 65, and
anyone at all suffering from any infirmities of mind, body or spirit.
Yes, let us rejoice, let us be glad and exult!
The Lord is alive and active
in our midst; he loves it when we come to
our senses, and when we fully participate in the Sure Anchor that he has
provided for us in this life: the Catholic Church: his Treasure, his Jewel, his Bride and his Joy!
Amen!
My dear friends we are gathered here in the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ who is present among us. As the
gospels relate, the sick came to him for healing: moreover, he loves us so much
that he died for our sake. Through the apostle James, he has commanded us: “Are
there any who are sick among you? Let them send for the priests of the Church,
and let the priests pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the
Lord; and prayer of faith will save the sick persons, and the Lord will raise
them up; and if they have committed any sins, their sins will be forgiven
them.” Let us there commend ourselves to the grace and power of Christ, that he
may save us and raise us up.
·
Laying
on of hands in silence.
·
Through
this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace
of the Holy Spirit. Amen. May
the Lord who frees you from sin, save you, and raise you up.
Lord Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, by the
grace of your Holy Spirit cure the weakness of your servants. Heal their
sickness and forgive their sins: expel all afflictions of mind and body;
mercifully restore them to full health, and enable them to resume their former
duties, for you are Lord forever and ever.
Amen.
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