The three Sundays preceding Ash Wednesday are called Septuagesima, Sexagesima and Quinquagesima, which mean, respectively, the seventieth, sixtieth, and fiftieth day, that is, before Easter. They are mere names to correspond with the name of Lent (Quadragesima in Latin: fortieth); obviously they do not actually correspond with the period they indicate.Man, victim of the sin of Adam and of his own sins, is justly afflicted, groans and sorrows encompass him.
On these Sundays the Gloria in excelsis and Alleluia are omitted, except when the Mass of a feast is said, and purple vestments are used in preparation for Lent. (Roman Missal, 1962)
Today's Gospel reading at Mass was St. Matthew, 20. 1-16.
Here is the antiphon at the Magnificat for Vespers:
The householder said unto his labourers: Why stand you here all the day idle? Because no man hath hired us. Go into my vinegyard, and I will give you what shall be just.
What was just turned out to be the same for those who had labored all day long in the hot vineyard as for those who came to work during the last hour of the day. God will reward those who turn to Him in the last hour with the same reward (Heaven, Salvation) as He gives those who have been with Him all their lives. He loves us. He wants us with Him, and it is never too late as long as we draw breath. (Read Gina's story).
1 comment:
This has been such comforting reading for me, as my father was baptized and received into the Church less than a year before he died.
peace to you
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