The new windows will both enhance the beauty of our church and serve as a lasting witness to the faith of this parish for generations to come. As sunlight passes through the glass, it will transform the interior of the church, reminding us that Christ is the Light of the World, whose grace illuminates our lives and draws us ever closer to Him.
This project represents an investment not only in the fabric of the building but also in the spiritual heritage we leave to future generations. We hope that these windows will inspire all who enter the church, whether parishioners or visitors, encouraging prayer, reflection and a deeper appreciation of the mysteries of our faith. We ask for your continued prayers and support as this exciting project moves forward.
Now, it can be helpful sometimes to have an aid in that meditation. Some of you may have the walk with me booklets that provide them short prayers and reflections for the day throughout Lent. I, on the other hand, have been using a series of meditations by St. Alphonsus Liguori, most of you would be familiar with that saint as we use his method for the stations of the Cross. But something struck me the other day, something that is often overlooked. St. Alphonsus reminds us that “hardly when He was conceived in the womb of Mary when His mind knew all the sufferings of His passion.” Christ knew all along that he was to die on the Cross for us. His suffering was not something that came upon Him unexpectedly, but something He freely embraced out of love. This means that even in the joyful moments of His earthly life, think of the wedding at Cana, and during the many consoling encounters of His public ministry, He knew that His path would lead to Calvary. But it was this fact that brought Him joy. For St. Paul reminds us, “But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.”[1] Every joy was lived in the light of the Cross because of the love that God has for us.
Therefore, Christ has given us the great example of how we can be joyful in the midst of our sufferings. We are not like our Lord, we do not known the day or the hour that God will call us. That is quite a terrifying thought for some, but if we are in that state of grace and living a life according to God’s plan then we shouldn’t be afraid. Take our local martyrs, they showed remarkable joy in their suffering and martyrdom, embodying the Christian call to rejoice even in the face of persecution. Philip Evans, who was known for his cheerful spirit, when informed of his execution date, he famously responded by playing a tune on his harp, showing his interior peace and joy. Both men approached their martyrdom with courage and serenity, offering their lives for the cause of Christ with an unwavering trust in God’s promises. When he mounted the scaffold Fr Evans said, “This is the best pulpit a man can have to preach in, therefore, I cannot forbear to tell you again that I die for God and for Religion’s sake.” He addressed the crowd in English and in Welsh, then turning to Fr Lloyd, who stood waiting his own turn, he said, “Adieu, Mr Lloyd! Though only for a little time, for we shall soon meet again.” Their courage flowed from their faith in the Resurrection, and their joy from the certainty that death was not the end, but the doorway to everlasting life with God.
As today is also Mother’s Day, we can look to the Blessed Virgin Mary as our mother, especially in our moments of sorrow and struggle. In the beautiful icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, which you pass in coming up for Holy Communion, we see the Child Jesus reaching out to His Mother in trust as he sees in implements of the Passion. Even the Son of God, in His humanity, feels comfort in her arms. That image speaks powerfully to us. If Christ Himself entrusted Himself to Mary, how much more can we do the same? Our Lady is no stranger to sorrow and pain. She understands the fears of the human heart. At the foot of the Cross, she shared in the suffering of her Son, and so she knows what it is to grieve. Yet she also knows the joy of the Resurrection. Like every good mother, she desires the happiness of her children. She wants us to be close to Jesus, to remain faithful, and to reach the joy of heaven. Through her prayers, Mary obtains graces for us, consoles us in our trials, and strengthens us in temptation.
So, as we continue our Lenten journey, let us not walk with heavy hearts, but with renewed joy. Laetare Sunday reminds us that joy is not something reserved only for Easter Day; it begins now, because Christ is already victorious. The Cross leads to the Resurrection, and His sacrifice leads to glory. If we remain close to Christ, if we stay in His grace, and if we entrust ourselves to the prayers of His Mother, then even our trials can become sources of joy.
[1] Romans 5:8
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