Lent: Liturgical Notes

03-03-2019Weekly Reflection

In the cycle of weekday readings, Lent falls into two parts. The 1st part including the “pre-Lent” of Ash Wednesday, and the rest of the week, runs through Saturday of the 3rd week. In the 1st part, the Gospel comes from the Synoptics (Matthew, Mark and Luke), and the Old Testament readings are chosen accordingly. The prevailing message is the call to conversion. The periscopes all speak about, fasting, prayer and almsgiving; of conversion; of mutualforgiveness; of hardness of heart; of love of enemies and the call to holiness.

The Gospel readings for the 2nd half of Lent are all taken from the Gospel of John. The second half begins on Monday of the 4th Week of Lent and goes through Holy Wednesday. This section presents the mystery of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. John emphasizes, that all who believe in Him will have eternal life.

Lent calls the faithful to celebrate the paschal mystery by being more attentive to the Word of God, prayer, and preparing themselves by penance for the renewal of their baptismal promises. Lent is from Ash Wednesday until the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday. Lent contains two universal days of fastening and abstinence; Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Alleluia is not sung or said from the beginning of Lent until the Easter Vigil.

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