ASH WEDNESDAY AND LENT

THE SEASON OF LENT begins on Ash Wednesday marking the start of a six week period of preparation for the most important feast in the Church’s calendar, the Resurrection of the Lord at Easter.

‘CHANGING ONE’S HEART’

Traditionally, Lent is penitential in character, reflecting the importance of ‘Changing One’s Heart’ by carrying out Acts of Charity, such as Almsgiving, denying oneself some of the everyday pleasures that we may take for granted, Fasting and, above all, Prayer and greater care in participation at the Eucharist. Acknowledging our failures and celebrating the Lord’s forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation has also been regarded as a valuable means of preparation and making that ‘Change of Heart’, which can transform our lives and open us to the fullness of gifts given to us at Easter.

REPENTANCE AND FORGIVENESS

During Lent the Church reflects the penitential character in its liturgies and prayers, especially the celebration of the Eucharist. The scripture readings emphasise repentance and forgiveness. The music used helps us to create this mood with the songs and chants we sing. The ‘Gloria’ is omitted and the Gospel Acclamation is said or sung without the ‘Alleluia’. There is more emphasis on the penitential rite and the proclamation of the Word, particularly the Gospel. There are no flowers on the altar and the colour of the vestments is violet.

– Courtesy of “St William of York”

 

CASES OF MIRACLE HEALING BY MEANS OF HOLY WATER FROM LOURDES

Saint Maximilian Kolbe, who later also survived repetitive coughing of blood and for very many years achieved immense amounts of daily work with just a quarter of normal lung capacity left, mentioned the healing through Mary Immaculate’s intercession after using Holy Water from Lourdes. This is an excerpt from a letter to his mum, Maria Kolbe, nee Dabrowska:

“I was on the point of losing my right thumb. It had developed an abscess that defied medical treatment. The suppuration would not subside. The doctor was talking about amputating the thumb, because the bone was already starting to erode. I told him that I knew a better way.
Father Rector at our college had just given me Lourdes water and had told me about his own miraculous cure.

When he was twelve years old he had a diseased foot. The degeneration of the bone had already started to spread. He told me that he would scream in pain, day and night.

The doctors considered removing the foot to be the only cure left.

After the doctor’s visit on the evening before the operation was scheduled, though, his mother stepped in. She removed the bandages, washed the diseased foot with soap and water and then applied a compress she had soaked in Lourdes water. After only a few minutes, the boy fell asleep. After a quarter of an hour he awoke again, but completely cured. It was obviously a miracle, but the unbelieving doctor did not want to admit it; he went so far as to devise explanations that convinced no one. After a few days, however, when a piece of purulent bone was discharged through the sole of his patient’s foot, the doctor finally had to admit that a higher power had been at work here. He then converted and had a church built at his own expense.

When our doctor here in Rome heard that I had Lourdes water, he said he would be happy to make a bandage with it for me. The next morning the doctor said that there was an improvement, and he probably would not have to amputate the thumb. After a little further treatment my thumb was healed. Glory be to God and to the Immaculata!”

 

THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD IN THE TEMPLE (Luke 2:22-40)

And when the days of her (Mary’s) purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they (Mary and Joseph) brought him (Jesus) to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;
And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
and she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth.
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

V. The Gospel of the Lord.
R. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.