Liturgy, Solemnities and Feasts - March 2022
Sunday 27th March 2022
FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
MOTHERING SUNDAY
This Man Welcomes Sinners
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If we acknowledge our faults and turn to God, he will welcome us home with outstretched arms and embrace us lovingly. Throughout Lent he is waiting for us: we have only to take the first small step.
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The Readings:
Joshua 5:9-12
2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Gospel: Luke 15:1-3.11-32
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Collect:
O God, who through your Word
reconcile the human race to yourself in a wonderful way, grant, we pray, that with prompt devotion and eager faith the Christian people may hasten towards the solemn celebrations to come.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Sunday 20th March 2022
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
Unless You Repent, You Will Perish
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Today's Gospel is one of the most frightening we meet. Jesus warns us against putting off repentance until tomorrow - who knows if tomorrow is too late?
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The Readings:
Exodus 3:1-8.13-15
1 Corinthians 10:1-6.10-12
Gospel: Luke 13:1-9
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Collect:
O God, author of every mercy and of all goodness, who in fasting, prayer and almsgiving have shown us a remedy for sin, look graciously on this confession of our lowliness, that we, who are bowed down by our conscience, may be lifted up by your mercy.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Sunday 13th March 2022
SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT
Our Homeland is in Heaven
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Today's account of Jesus' transfiguration gives us a glimpse of his glory - which is the future glory held out to us if we persevere in following our Lord.
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The Readings:
Genesis 15:5-12.17-18
Philippians 3:17-4:1
Gospel: Luke 9:28-36
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Collect:
O God, who have commanded us
to listen to your beloved Son, be pleased, we pray, to
nourish us inwardly by your word, that, with spiritual
sight made pure, we may rejoice to behold your glory.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Sunday 6th March 2022
FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
Bow Down in the Sight of God
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It is only by God's mercy that we can be strengthened against temptation and saved from death. The Lord's grace is rich enough for those who ask his help - we need that help, and we need to ask for it.
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The Readings:
Deuteronomy 26:4-10
Romans 10:8-13
Gospel: Luke 4:1-13
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Collect:
Grant, almighty God,
through the yearly observances of holy Lent,
that we may grow in understanding of the riches hidden in Christ and by worthy conduct pursue their effects.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
2nd March 2022
ASH WEDNESDAY - Lent begins
Come Back to Me with All Your Heart
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Taking ashes is a sign that we acknowledge our status as creatures and are willing to repent - a necessary prelude to conversion of heart and openness to the Good News. Prayer and fasting are the means of our Lenten conversion to God.
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The Readings:
Joel 2:12-18
2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2
Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6.16-18
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Collect:
Grant, O Lord, that we may begin
with holy fasting this campaign
of Christian service,
so that, as we take up battle against
spiritual evils, we may be armed with
weapons of self-restraint.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
