An anonymous post on Facebook recently read, ‘The saddest thing about betrayal is that it never comes from your enemies.’ A challenging question arises, ‘Will you still love even if you are hurt?’  Betrayal is probably one of the worst things that can happen in a relationship. Betrayal breaks trust and trust is not easy to restore. Has someone betrayed you? Have you betrayed another?

Today is Spy Wednesday, called because of the actions of Judas Iscariot. Sadly, betrayal in relationship with God, self and with others is part of the sinful nature of humankind. God loves each one unconditionally.

The reading proclaimed at Mass today (Is 50:4-9) is taken from the prophet Isaiah. On reflection one asks, ‘Who is the prophet talking about, himself or another?’ The prophets in the Old Testament endured cruelty, suffering and rejection from others because they loved God. They wanted to do what God asked of them. These prophets heard the call of God and they knew their mission was to speak God’s word. The people did not like the prophets’ messages and they tried to suppress them and kill them.  God asks each prophet to listen to his word like a disciple and to proclaim it. Because the prophet was obedient, ‘he made no resistance to those who struck him and pulled at his beard.’ What Isaiah describes is a foretaste of what will happen to Jesus, as he faces his trial and death on Calvary.  The language is violent. In the face of violence, the prophet did not rebel. The prophet knows in his heart that ‘the Lord is coming to my [his] help.’

Prophets speak the voice of God today, but many people choose to ignore what they hear. For some years now, the people of the world hear regularly of the damage humankind by its lifestyle causes the planet. Pope Francis prompts the world to take note of the destructive forces damaging the environment. He calls for an eco-conversion. His message to the whole world in Laudato Si’ is an enlightening document instructing care for our common home. Are God’s people prepared to listen to the prophets today? God calls each one to be a prophetic voice to speak God’s word. Are the people of the world prepared to undergo an eco-conversion as the Pope challenges them to hear the cries of the poor, to save the planet and God’s creation?

The psalmist (Ps 68) commits his life to God. He is prepared to suffer the taunts and the shame. He burns ‘with zeal for your [God’s] house.’ The psalmist will praise God’s name and give thanks because he trusts in God. The assembly answers, ‘In your great love, O Lord, answer my prayer for your favour.’

The Gospel (Mt 26:14-25) read at Mass today proclaims the betrayal of Jesus by Peter. Judas went to the chief priests and asked them what they were prepared to give him if he handed Jesus over to them. They paid him thirty pieces of silver. Judas awaited an opportunity to betray him.

Meanwhile, Jesus instructed the disciples to go and prepare the Passover. That evening, the disciples were at table with Jesus and he confronted them saying, one of them was to betray him. They were distressed as they wondered who was going to do that. In turn, they asked ‘Not I surely?’ Judas also asked that question. Jesus said to Judas, ‘They are your own words’.

Jesus knew what was in Judas’ mind. Judas chose to betray Jesus in spite of Jesus calling him to be one of his twelve apostles. Judas considered 30 pieces of silver were worth more to him than his friendship and commitment to Jesus. There were consequences for Judas and Jesus.

Jesus also knows what is in our mind better than we know ourselves. That is why we pray to the Holy Spirit to guide us in God’s ways.  God gives us free will and stands ready to forgive our sins. Towards the end of Lent, we reflect on the ritual of Ash Wednesday and the words ‘Repent and believe in the Gospel.’ Our Lenten journey for 2021 is almost at a close. We thank God.

VERITAS publications offers free online resources for Holy Week in all standards of the Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé religious education programme available at:

Website: growinlove.ie

Email: trial@growinlove.ie

Password: growinlove

INVITATION

PRAY

• Pray the Prayers to the Holy Spirit/ Paidreacha chuig an Spiorad Naomh
• Pray the Act of Faith/Gníomh Creidimh
• Pray the Act of Sorrow/ Gníomh Dóláis

READ

• From your Bible or from your Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé e-book for Sixth Class read ‘Jesus Eats the Passover Meal with his Disciples’ (Mt 26:20-30) and ‘The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus’ (Lk 22:47-53)
• Read the poem ‘Remember’ from Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé e-book for Fourth Class ‘AT HOME’ page, p. 57

VIDEO LYRIC

• From the Grow in Love programme for Fifth Class, watch ‘The Summons’.
• What might God be summoning you to do?

DO

• Check out the times of the Easter ceremonies on the webcam from the local parish Church during Holy Week. Consider which ones you will attend and invite your family to join you
• It will be soon time to return your Trócaire box to the Church… Read the stories of the suffering families on the box and consider donating some of your pocket money to help people in need.

Sr Anne Neylon

In the calendar year, people set aside certain weeks to celebrate specific events. For instance, in schools children participate in Science Week, Maths Week, Friendship Week, Catholic Schools Week, Active Week etc. The world sets aside international days to include World Book Day, World Wildlife Day, World Water Day, World Poetry Day and many more. There is tremendous value in celebrating such dedicated days and weeks.

The Church also celebrates such times to highlight events. For example, each year the Church celebrates Holy Week, which begins on Palm Sunday. In Holy Week Christians recall, remember and celebrate the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The reading proclaimed at Mass today from the prophet Isaiah (Is 49:1-6) is the second song of God’s servant. The Judean exiles at Babylon thank God for choosing them for a unique mission. To these, God will entrust the future of Israel. The words spoken by the prophet Isaiah speak of our vocation in Christ. With such words, God calls disciples to continue the mission of Jesus.  Before God calls, a person listens and pays attention to God’s word, in this case spoken by the prophet Isaiah. God speaks in the silence of one’s heart. The person responds to God and here, God makes a promise. ‘I will make you the light of the nations that my salvation will reach to the ends of the earth.’ Whom is God talking about?  God is talking about Jesus whom he will send. In the New Testament, the Word proclaims Jesus, the light of the world. The disciples follow the Light.

The psalmist (Ps 70:1-6. 15. 17) acknowledges God’s help. He images God as a ‘rock’ and a ‘stronghold’. The assembly respond at Mass, ‘My lips will tell of your help’ (Ps 70: 15). Disciples tell others of God’s help in their lives. We take a moment to reflect on the ways God helps us in life. God offers help through other people. Jesus teaches us to love one another.

In the Gospel (John 13:21-33, 36-38), God’s people hear of Jesus being troubled in spirit as his imminent death approaches. He is at dinner with his disciples and conscious that one of the twelve will betray him. The disciples look at one another trying to imagine who among them will betray Jesus. John asked Jesus ‘Who is it Lord?’ Jesus said ‘the one to whom I give the piece of bread.’ It was Judas Iscariot. Jesus said something to Judas and he left and went out. The others did not know where he was going. They thought Jesus sent him on a message because he was in charge of the common fund. When Judas left, Jesus spoke to the disciples and told them, he would not be much longer with them. Simon wanted to know where he was going but Jesus just told him he could not come with him at this time, but later he would follow. Peter was still curious and persistent and wanted to follow.  Peter told Jesus he would lay down his life for him. Jesus responded, ‘before the cock crows you will have disowned me three times.’

As disciples, we also sit around the table with Jesus. The disciples in their own ways showed weakness of betrayal, denial and doubt. Their weaknesses in commitment signify ours also. That is why this time of Holy Week calls us to a deeper knowledge, love and understanding of Jesus.  We take time to reflect and pray with the psalmist.

VERITAS publications provide online resources including the Grow in Love/ I nGrá Dé e-books for Holy Week for each class standard of the Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé religious education programme available on the Grow in Love website.

Website: growinlove.ie

Email: trial@growinlove.ie

Password: growinlove

INVITATION

PRAY

• Pray ‘The Mystery of Faith’/ ‘Rúndiamhair an Creidimh’ from the Mass responses
• Pray the Act of Faith/Gníomh Creidimh

READ

• From your Bible or from your Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé e-book for Sixth Class read ‘Jesus Eats the Passover Meal with his Disciples’ (Mt 26:20-30) and ‘The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus’ (Lk 22:47-53)

DO

• Check out the times of the Easter ceremonies on the webcam from the local parish Church during Holy Week. Consider which ones you will attend and invite your family to join you

Sr Anne Neylon

In spite of Covid restrictions, preparations take place for the Easter season. Easter eggs and Easter fare sell well in supermarkets and local shops. Advertisements on the media encourage people to buy all the essentials to celebrate the Easter feast. Nobody expected to be in this second season of lockdown. We hoped that Easter of 2020 would not repeat itself but it has unfortunately. This week gives time to reflect on Easter. People celebrate for different reasons. Why do you celebrate Easter? Hope and joy are alive with the new life of Resurrection.

Christians celebrate Holy Week beginning with Palm Sunday with the mix of emotions proclaimed in the Palm Sunday Liturgy. On Palm Sunday, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. He would celebrate the Jewish festival of Passover with his friends later in the week.   With restrictions, death and grief all around, God’s people can stand in solidarity with Jesus as he approaches his imminent death. This week the Churches will celebrate Holy Week and Easter ceremonies online, offering God’s people options to travel everywhere virtually.

The first reading proclaimed at Mass from the prophet Isaiah (Is 42:1-7) introduces God’s servant who is chosen and the one in whom God’s soul delights. Endowed with the spirit of God he will ‘bring justice to the nations.’ He will not cry out or shout aloud. He is as a lamb led to the slaughter, doing the will of God. God is preparing his servant for the mission of justice, which lies ahead. All the signs of vocation are there. God calls the servant to ‘serve the cause of right’. The call is personal and unique. God takes the servant by his hand, accompanying him and forming him. The servant ‘is the covenant of the people and the light of the nations.’ His mission is ‘to open the eyes of the blind, to free captives from prison and those who live in darkness from the dungeon.’ God accompanies his servant.

This is the mission of Jesus and the mission in which God’s people engage. Disciples do not go alone.  God’s Spirit is with them always.

The psalmist recognises the strength of God (Psalm 26: 1-3, 13-14). God is light, help, and ‘a stronghold of my life.’ The assembly respond to the verse of the Psalm saying, ‘The Lord is my light and my help.’ There is no need to fear. The psalmist is certain he will ‘see the Lord’s goodness’ and encourages those who listen to ‘hope in the Lord, hold firm and take heart.’ The words of the song come to mind, ‘He will hold me fast.’

In Holy Week, Jesus trusted in God through the fear and anguish, he experienced.

The Gospel (Jn 12:1-11) proclaims Jesus’ encounter in Bethany where he went for a dinner in Lazarus’ house, having raised him from the dead. Mary, Martha and Lazarus were close friends of Jesus. Mary expresses her passionate love for Jesus by anointing his feet with a very expensive ointment. She dried his feet with her hair. Mary’s anointing becomes one of preparation for the burial of the body after death.

Judas challenged Mary on buying such expensive nard. He had charge of the common fund and suggested spending the money on the poor. Though Judas was one of the twelve apostles, he was not committed to Jesus. Jesus told him to ‘leave her alone.’ Jesus knew what was in Judas’ heart, that he was about to betray him. Jesus also knew that this was the last time he would visit Bethany because his hour was near. Many of the Jews were angry when they heard Jesus was in the house. They came to seek information about Jesus and to kill Lazarus. It was because of Lazarus that many of the Jews began to believe in Jesus. All is in preparation for Jesus’ final hour.

The Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé programme covers Holy Week in each class standard. Online resources including the Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé e-books are available.

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Password: growinlove

INVITATION

READ

• From your Bible or from the Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé e-books for Third and Fourth Class, read what God said to the Jewish people about observing the Sabbath (Exodus 20:1, 8-10)
• Read ‘The Ten Commandments at Sinai’ (Exodus 19:3-8) from Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé Third Class
• Read ‘The Ten Commandments’ (Exodus 20:1-11) Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé Fourth Class
• Read the First Passover (Exodus 12:21-23) Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé Fourth Class
• From your Bible or from the Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé e-books for Third/ Fourth and Fifth classes read about the Jewish festival of Pesach when Jewish families celebrate a special Passover meal called the Seder meal. This meal recalls how their ancestors, the Israelites, escaped from Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land.

PRAY

• Pray the ‘Sabbath Prayer’ with your family from Grow in Love/ I nGrá Dé Third Class p. 96.

SING

• In the Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé online resources for Fifth Class find the video lyrics for the following songs, ‘The Servant Song’, ‘The Welcome Table’, ‘We Come to Your Feast’

DO

• Write up the menu for a Seder meal. Guidelines are in the Fifth Class Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé religious education programme

Sr Anne Neylon

Announcements are central to our lives, especially during this time of Covid. We wait from day to day for news of what is going to happen next in every area of life. We wait for announcements on:  rising or falling numbers of Covid deaths daily, travel restrictions, opening of crèches’, schools and colleges, dates and times of administration of vaccines, return to Church liturgies, sports fixtures, opening of restaurants, spread of the virus and much more. What announcement are you waiting to hear? Somehow, we never give up hope as we wait from one day to the next. We learn patience and trust, even though we may feel despondent.

The first reading from the prophet Isaiah (Is 7: 10-14. 8:10) proclaims at Mass today the prophecy about the Virgin giving birth. People consider this one of the most important prophecies of Scripture. The prophet announces, ‘The Lord himself therefore will give you a sign… the maiden is with child and will soon give birth to a son whom she will call Emmanuel, a name which means, ‘God-is-with-us.’

The response to Psalm 39 sums up the disciples’ mission in life, ‘Here I am Lord! I come to do your will.’

In the second reading from Hebrews (Heb 10:4-10), Scripture proclaims how Jesus came to do his Father’s will. He did this by laying down his life for all. God calls each one to do his will. That means, we follow the way of Jesus in loving God and one another. In prayer, we listen to what God asks of us.

The Gospel (Lk 1: 26-38), proclaims Mary’s response to God. Angel Gabriel came to Mary with an announcement from God. Gabriel announces good news to a highly favoured woman. Gabriel greets Mary, ‘Rejoice, so highly favoured!’ This was the moment of decision of the destiny of the world.  God chose Mary as favoured and beloved. Disturbed at first by the angel’s invitation, Mary recognised the divine revelation of her unique calling.   Mary heard in the announcement what the angel said about Jesus. He is Saviour and he will be great. He will be son of David and Son of the Most High. Mary’s response is definite. She boldly expresses her faith and surrenders saying, ‘I am the handmaid of the Lord.’  In offering this invitation to Mary to become the Mother of his Son, God loved Mary with a greater love than God had for any other creature. Hence Mary is called full of grace. She is full of grace and has a role in our salvation. God’s grace teaches us to do God’s will.

Today God’s people celebrate Mary as the first disciple, the one who said yes to God. She is the model for all disciples.

Each time we pray the Angelus we recall the sacred moment when Gabriel called Mary to be Mother of God. Let us reflect on Mary’s beauty, faith, care, courage and confidence.

This Scripture is explored in every stage of the Grow in Love/ I nGrá Dé programme. The themes include prayer, discipleship, devotion to Mary, and striving to do God’s will. VERITAS provides accompanying online resources to support the theme of the Annunciation, including the Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé e-books.

Website: www.growinlove.ie

Email: trial@growinlove.ie

Password: growinlove

INVITATION

PRAY

• Hail Mary/ ‘S é do bheatha a Mhuire
• The Angelus/ Fáilte don Aingeal
• The Magnificat

READ

• From your Bible or from the Grow in Love/ I nGrá Dé e-book read the story of the Annunciation (Lk 1: 26-38)

DO

• You might pray the first Joyful Mystery of the Rosary, The Annunciation on your Rosary Beads. Invite members of your family to join you in prayer
• How many words can you find in the word ‘Annunciation’
• Today, listen to all the announcements in your family and on the news
• Is there an announcement you would like to make?

THINK

• Do you think God desires to make an announcement to you? What might it be? Share it with your family.

Sr Anne Neylon

Some think, ‘it is just children who break boundaries that their parents/guardians set for them.’ A parent/guardian says, ‘don’t go to such and such a place’ or ‘you must be home at a certain time’ etc and the instruction falls on ears that choose not to hear. This time of pandemic, the authorities restrict play dates for children, place limits on travel, house visits, shopping, leisure and social activities and so much more. These restrictions cause stress for people. They limit a person’s freedom. Many unable to cope with such limits on their lives do not persevere and take a chance of going where they please. Other personalities stand firm in what the authorities ask. The authorities impose the restrictions, to which people make individual and personal choices. There are consequences for the choices a person makes.

The reading proclaimed at Mass today  (Dan 3:14-20) tells of three young men named Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who refused King Nebuchadnezzar to worship one of his gods, the golden statue. He asked the young men if they were prepared to worship the golden statue at the sound of the various musical instruments. He warned them of the consequences of not worshipping the statue- they would be ‘thrown straight away into the burning fiery furnace.’ He further tested them asking, ‘and where is the god that could save you from my power?’ They told the king of their trust in God, and he was infuriated. King Nebuchadnezzar ordered the army to throw the three young men into the furnace.   God saved the men in the fire and in disbelief the king said, I can see four men walking about freely in the heart of the fire without coming to any harm.’ Nebuchadnezzar realised that God sent his angel to rescue the men. He recognised that ‘they preferred to forfeit their bodies rather than serve or worship any god but their own.’

The psalm proclaimed by the assembly (Dan 3: 52), offers ‘glory and praise’ to God for evermore. God desires our praise and thanks each day.

The Gospel (Jn 8:31-42) proclaims Jesus’ teaching to the Jews. He invites them to the way of discipleship by accepting his word and teaching. Through the word, they will learn the truth of Jesus’ identity. The truth will set them free (as it did to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego). The Jews argued with Jesus saying they were sons of Abraham.  Jesus tries to explain to them about their Father in heaven but he sees ‘that nothing I say has penetrated into you.’ Jesus teaches them the truth about God but they do not believe.  The truth about God is that there is one God and God sent Jesus into the world to proclaim his name.

The message today for disciples is that they worship one God, three distinct persons, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is the mystery of the Blessed Trinity. This is our faith. We proclaim our faith as we say the Apostles’ Creed. The first of the Ten Commandments states ‘I am the Lord your God, you shall not have any strange gods before me.’ The disciple honours God when he/she prays, ‘To you glory and praise for evermore.’

Today we give glory and praise to God for our family and friends, for the gift of a new day, for the wonders of nature this springtime and for all who care for us.

VERITAS publications provides online resources on the theme of faith, belief and trust in the one true God, the Mystery of the Trinity. There is also access to the children’s Grow in Love I nGrá Dé e-book.

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INVITATION

PRAY

• Cré na nAspal/ The Apostles’ Creed
• Gníomh Creidimh/Act of Faith
• ‘To you glory and praise for evermore.’

DO

• Find out how many words you can make from the name Nebuchadnezzar
• You might draw a picture of the following musical instruments, horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, and bagpipe. Browse the internet to check out the sounds of these instruments. Do you play a musical instrument? What is your favourite musical instrument? Do you associate any of these musical instruments with a musician?

READ

• From your Bible or from the Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé e-book read the Ten Commandments from the Book of Exodus

Sr Anne Neylon

It is so easy to apportion blame or accusation on a person. This forms the plot in books and films. Sadly, it regularly happens in a person’s life and can have devastating consequences on mental health.  A person blames another in the wrong because perhaps, they are afraid to tell the truth about something. Maybe the person who accuses or blames another wants to take the focus off him/herself from something that happened. One may also act too quickly in blaming the wrong person. Or a person might seek revenge on another for a past hurt.

St Vincent de Paul had such an experience in his life. While a student, Vincent took up residence in Paris. He was too poor to own his own house, so he hired a room and shared it with a man, a minor judge from his own part of the country. Vincent soon discovered that shared accommodation had its drawbacks. One day, Vincent felt sick and had to stay in bed. His companion, the judge, left early to attend business in the city. Vincent sent to a nearby chemist for some medicine. The pharmacist’s assistant was looking in the cupboard for a glass when he discovered the judge’s purse containing 400 écus. The young man was tempted and pocketed the money. As soon as the assistant attended to Vincent, he left the house and ran away. On his return from work, the judge noticed the money was missing. He blamed Vincent, but the latter pleaded his cause. The judge threw Vincent out of the house and told everyone that Vincent stole the money. Vincent’s reaction was exemplary. It did not occur to him to blame the assistant. He contented himself with the meek reply, ‘God knows the truth.’ Six years later, the same assistant was guilty of another crime and sent to prison. He confessed his crime, wrote to Vincent, and begged his pardon. Vincent granted him the pardon he asked. Truth won out.

Today’s reading proclaimed at Mass (Dan 13) tells how Susanna suffered in the wrong and nevertheless showed the depth of her faith in God. Her lustful judges accused and humiliated her for having an affair with a young man. Quietly, she trusted God as she declared herself innocent.  Susanna’s prayer to God, ‘Eternal God, you know what is hidden and are aware of all things’ prompted the Holy Spirit to speak the truth through Daniel.

Likewise, in the Gospel proclaimed at Mass (John 8:1-11), Jesus challenged the scribes and Pharisees who condemned the woman, caught committing adultery. He said to the bystanders, ‘If there is one of you who has not sinned, let him be first to throw a stone at her.’  They walked away. Jesus told the woman to ‘go away and don’t sin anymore.’ In saying this to the woman, Jesus told her to go away and not to hurt herself or others. He did not accuse the woman. Jesus’ response is always one of compassion.

These readings provide insight into the value of truth and trust in God. St Vincent de Paul offers a good maxim in his words, ‘God knows the truth.’  Susanna’s prayer ‘Eternal God, you know what is hidden and are aware of all things’ assures us of God’s awareness of everything that happens in life.  With faith, hope and trust in God, such words suffice in times of blame and accusation. Do I really believe that God knows the truth about everything?

The response to Psalm 23, ‘If I should walk in the valley of darkness, no evil would I fear’ offers consolation and comfort to the assembly. The words are worth imprinting on minds and hearts. They assure us that ‘The Lord is our shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.’ We pray for a spirit of faith and trust in God.

The themes of trust, hope, and the awareness of God’s presence permeate the Scripture throughout the Grow in Live/I nGrá Dé lessons of the Grow in Love religious education programme. VERITAS publications provide free access to online resources including the Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé e-book.

Logon: www.growinlove.ie

Email: trial@growinlove.ie

Password: growinlove

INVITATION

READ

• From the Bible or the Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé e-book read Psalm 23 and Psalm 37.

SING

• Using the Grow in Love video lyric sing Psalm 37, ‘Trust in the Lord.’

THINK

• Chat with your family today about whom you can trust. Who are the people who trust you?
• On this Trócaire Lenten Campaign for 2021 who are the families who trust your family to help them? How will your family help?

PRAY

• Ár bPaidir Misiúnta/Mission Prayer/ Our Mission Prayer
• Gníomh Dóláis/Act of Faith
• Cré na nAspal/The Apostles’ Creed.

Sr Anne Neylon

What do you do with a problem in life or a difficulty in relationship that gnaws at your heart, disturbing your peace?  Worry is not the solution to a problem. In fact, worry damages one’s health. Yet, people say ‘don’t worry’ about such and such a problem! It will pass. People cope with problems in different ways.

In the book ‘I Am With you Still’, (2021), author Megan McKenna, while on a visit to South America told of a young girl whom she met when she stayed with a family there. She showed Megan a small set of dolls she had all of different sizes contained in the one doll. Every day the young girl took out the dolls and chatted to them about her cares in life. This helped her to deal with issues in life. Some people carry ‘worry stones.’  Others do novenas. Others share their stories with a trusted friend.  Many pray the Rosary. There is wisdom in the saying, ‘a problem shared is a problem halved.’

In June 2015, Pope Francis introduced the Statue of the Sleeping St Joseph to the world. Pope Francis had a statue of a sleeping St. Joseph on his desk for years and when elected Pope; he brought the statue from Argentina to the Vatican.  During his January 2015 visit to the meeting with families in Manila, he told them of his devotion to St. Joseph.  He places slips of paper under his statue of a sleeping St. Joseph when he has a special problem. In that way, he asks St Joseph to take care of the problem.

Pope Francis said, “Even when St Joseph is asleep, he takes care of the church! Yes! We know that he can do that. So when I have a problem, a difficulty, I write a little note and I put it underneath St. Joseph, so that he can dream about it! In other words I tell him: Pray for this problem!” Pope Francis said. “Do not forget St. Joseph who sleeps! Jesus slept with the protection of Joseph.”

Hence, these statues of the sleeping St Joseph are increasingly popular throughout the world.

Today 19 March, the Church celebrates the feast of St Joseph. People are familiar with the many images of St Joseph, holding the carpenter’s work tools, or standing with the baby Jesus in his arms or holding a lily.  The Church honours Joseph as the guardian and patron of Christ’s universal Church.

So how did the image of the sleeping Joseph emerge? Pope Francis explained how the Scriptures seldom speak of St Joseph but when they do, Joseph is resting, as an angel reveals God’s will to him in his dreams.  He said, “Joseph’s rest revealed God’s will to him. In this moment of rest in the Lord, as we pause from our many daily obligations and activities, God is also speaking to us.” Like St Joseph, once we hear God’s voice, we must wake up, get up and take action.

Today the Gospel (Mt 1:16, 18-21:24) proclaimed at Mass tells the story of how an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream. The angel told Joseph to remain with Mary and take her as his wife, even though she was pregnant. Joseph was a man of honour and integrity and wanted to spare her from publicity. He wanted to divorce her informally.  The angel told him that Mary conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and that, her child Jesus would ‘save people from their sins.’ In his integrity and obedience, Joseph ‘did what the angel told him to do.’

VERITAS publications offers this Gospel story (Mt 1:16, 18-21:24) about St Joseph with accompanying free online resources including the Grow in Love/ I nGrá Dé e-book on the website.

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INVITATION

PRAY

• Pray this prayer to the Holy Family

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I give you my heart and my soul. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, assist me in my last agony. Jesus, Mary and Joseph may I breathe forth my soul in peace with you. Amen.

• St Joseph, pray for us.

DO

• You might like to write out this prayer and share it with your family and friends
• See if you can find a statue of St Joseph. Look up the internet for an image of the sleeping statue of St Joseph
• You might visit the parish Church and find the statue of St Joseph and perhaps light a candle and say a prayer.

READ

• From your Grow in Love/ I nGrá Dé e- book, (Fifth Class/ P7), or from your Bible, you may like to read ‘Joseph’s dream’ (Mt 1: 18-24). You might like to read the prayer to St Joseph on page 45 of the e-book.

Sr Anne Neylon

Water is one of life’s necessities. It is a natural gift; sometimes a gift taken for granted. The experiences of Awut’s life story as told in the Trócaire Lenten Campaign (2021) reveals the difficulty of life without water. Awut took her grandchildren into her care because their parents died in the war in Sudan.  Awut recalls ‘the painful trek to escape ‘the terrible violence in South Sudan.’  As Awut and the family fled Sudan, they suffered from hunger and thirst. They acquired a patch of land from the local chief and with other people; they survived on wild fruits and greens.  Life was difficult for the women and the girls in the war. Then Awut met Ajak and her family, while both tried to escape the violence in Sudan. They became friends and supported their families together. They tried to eke out an existence without shelter, food or access to clean water and healthcare. They are still struggling and need our help to survive each day. When people support the annual Trócaire Lenten Campaign, they help families like Awut and Ajak’s.

In 2015, Pope Francis wrote a letter, Laudato Si’ to every person in the world. The theme of the letter was ‘on care for our common home’. Pope Francis wants people to know how humankind exploits the planet by their lifestyle. He particularly speaks about water. He says ‘fresh drinking water is an issue of primary importance, since it is indispensable for human life and for supporting terrestrial and aquatic systems’ (no.27). Pope Francis is concerned about water poverty in Africa, including Sudan. He denounces the quality of water ‘available to the poor’ (no. 28). He names diseases such as ‘dysentery and cholera’ linked to ‘inadequate hygiene and water supplies’ (no. 28). The Pope addresses issues such as pollution and scarcity of water. He says, ‘that the problem of water is partly an educational and cultural issue’ (no. 30). During this Lenten season, one can hardly ignore this water crisis and the suffering caused to our brothers and sisters.

The readings today proclaimed at Mass explore the theme of water. Both readings relate to the theme of the water of Baptism, as Christians prepare for the Easter season. The first reading (Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12) portrays the vision of the river which starts from the Temple, where God is present. God reveals himself in the life giving power of the river as it flowed in different directions at different depths. The living water gives life to the seeds and plants. It gives life to the fish of the sea and life will abound in the flowing water. On the banks of the river, trees will produce fruit as their roots fill with water, flowing from the Temple. The prophet Ezekiel remarks, ‘the fruit will be good to eat and the leaves will be medicinal.’

The Gospel today (Jn 5:1-3. 5-16), tells the story of the man with paralysis that could not get into the pool to bathe. Jesus approached the man and asked him, ‘Do you want to be healed?’ The man told his plight to Jesus and Jesus healed him.

These stories remind us of the cleansing which takes place at the sacrament of Baptism. The priest pours water over the head of the person saying the words, ‘I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.’ At Baptism, the baptised person becomes a member of the Church and receives the gift of faith, symbolised by the light of the Baptismal candle. The priest blesses the person for baptism with oil, a symbol of strength. When the sponsors (in the case of an infant) respond to the Baptismal promises, the ear of the one baptised opens to the Baptismal call. This sacrament brings great joy to the Christian community for whom they pray with thanks.

VERITAS publications offers free online resources on the theme of Baptism throughout all the standards of the Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé Religious Education programme. These include the Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé e-book.

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INVITATION

PRAY

• Pray the Act of Faith/ Gníomh Creidimh, Grow in Love/ I nGrá Dé, Rang V1/P8
• Mission Prayer/ Ár bPaidir Misiúnta
• Pray for people today who are suffering from hunger and drought in our world
• Read the stories from the Trócaire website

READ

• From your Bible or from the Grow in Love/ I nGrá Dé e-book, read the account of the ‘Baptism of Jesus’ (Mt 3.13-17; Mk 1.9-11; Lk 3.2)

DO

• Find out from your parents/guardian/sponsor about your ceremony of Baptism
• Look at your Baptismal Certificate. Why is that an important document?
• With your family, you might like to visit the parish Church where your Baptism took place. What is the name of the Church in which the sacrament took place? What names did you receive at Baptism?
• Don’t forget your contribution to Trócaire. Read the story on the Trócaire box about one of the families.

Sr Anne Neylon

The words ‘new’ and ‘hope’ have potential to fill the human mind and heart with peace, excitement and joy. We anticipate the ‘new’ being somewhat better than the present or the past. What new thing do you now wait for in your life?

During this third time of lockdown, people are joyful because they hope that new life lies ahead with the vaccine. In anticipation of that new life, obstacles arise with some vaccines. Presently, the medical teams prudently stall one of the proposed vaccines. Meanwhile, citizens remain hopeful of better days ahead as they live with uncertainty. They wait for the new normal to give some stability to their lives.

The reading proclaimed at Mass today from the prophet Isaiah (Is 65:17-21), hears the Lord say that he will ‘create new heavens and a new earth.’ The Lord says the people will leave the past behind. For this reason, the people can ‘be glad and rejoice.’ Why is that? Because God will care for his people now and forever.

In faith, we believe that God sent Jesus to share the good news of his love in this life and in eternal life.

The Lord creates Jerusalem ‘Joy’ and her people ‘Gladness.’ There is hope for the people as ‘they will build houses, inhabit them, plant vineyards, and eat fruit.’ These are signs of God’s presence for eternal life.

God also wants the faithful today to leave the past behind and to keep their eyes fixed on God and on his unconditional love for them. God desires we share that love with our neighbour.

The response to the Psalm (Ps 29:2) is one of praise. The psalmist is thankful because he recognises that God rescues him. The assembly of people respond with joy in their hearts, ‘I will praise you, Lord, you have rescued me.’  The psalmist promises God, ‘O Lord my God, I will thank you forever.’ Can we say these words and really mean them?

Today we too as followers of Jesus believe that God saves us from our sins. We thank him with all our heart. We pray to God and share his love.

The Gospel according to John (Jn 4: 3-54), continues on the note of joy. Rejected in his hometown, Jesus moves forward to Galilee. The Galileans received him well because they saw all that he did in Jerusalem during the festival. Jesus came to Cana, where he performed his first miracle, when he turned water into wine.

This time an official came to Jesus and asked him to cure his son who was ill. Jesus remarked that the people would not believe unless they saw ‘signs and portents.’ Jesus told the official to ‘go home’ and told him his son would live. The man believed Jesus’ words and went off home. On his way, he met many people who ran towards him to tell him the good news. They told him his boy was alive. The man asked what time the boy began to recover.  They told him ‘at the seventh hour.’ The father realised this was the exact time that Jesus told him his son would live.

Today, God’s people reflect on their life of faith with God. Do I believe because I have faith in God? Am I waiting for signs to help me believe? At Baptism, the one baptised receives the gift of faith. In faith, the baptised respond to God’s love. We pray for the gift of faith to stay alive in our hearts. Prayer and the sacramental life nourish our faith in God.

VERITAS publications provide the free online resources from the Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé Religious Education programme. These resources including the Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé e-books cover themes related to faith, hope and love for each class standard.

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Email trial@growinlove

Password growinlove

INVITATION

PRAY

• Pray the Act of Faith/ Cré na nAspal
• Using your Rosary beads pray the second decade of the Mystery of Light, The Wedding at Cana by saying Our Father, Hail Mary (X10) and Glory be to the Father.

READ

• From your Bible or from your Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé book read what St Paul says about Love (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)
• From your Bible read the story of the Wedding at Cana (Jn 2:1-12)

DO

• You might visit your parish church with your family. Look for the Baptismal font. Chat about your Baptism. Thank God for the gift of faith. What else do you notice in the Church?
• Why do you think the Pope called the Church ‘a family of families’?

Sr Anne Neylon

On Sunday 14 March, families will celebrate Mother’s Day. Unfortunately, this year there will not be an opportunity to gather in groups or to host big celebrations due to Covid restrictions. However, families will celebrate in a way that they praise and thank their mother in an appropriate way. They will acknowledge the love their mother shows each day of her life. This is also a day also to honour grandmothers and great grandmothers. Take a moment to think about your mother… your grandmother… your great grandmother.  Say thanks in your heart, whether they are alive or deceased. St Vincent de Paul says ‘Love is inventive to infinity’ so herein lies a challenge for creativity for the celebration.

Sunday is also a day to celebrate and honour Mary, Mother of God and or Mother, under her many titles of Mother.

The reading proclaimed at Mass today from the prophet Hosea (Hos 14:2-10) reveals the Lord calling back the people to God, by turning away from their sins. God desires happiness for Israel.  God promises them compassion, healing and love. The prophet Hosea uses poetic and picturesque images to attract the people to him. God ‘will fall like dew on Israel.’ Dew falls gently. The appeal lies in the images of the lily, the poplar and the olive. God promises that when the people act lovingly according to God’s will, they will ‘grow corn that flourishes’ and ‘cultivate vines.’ Idols will not interest people whose life is in God, who hears their prayer and cares for them. Through Hosea, God appeals to the wise and intelligent to ‘understand the words and grasp their meaning.’

God reveals Godself through the psalmist (Ps 80) as the assembly responds, ‘I am the Lord your God, listen to my warning.’

The Gospel today (Mk 12:28-34), proclaims Jesus’ teaching on love. He answers the scribe’s question, ‘Which is the first of all the commandments?’ Jesus does not list off the Ten Commandments but sums them up in the great commandment, ‘you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, with all your strength… you must love your neighbour as yourself.’ Jesus says ‘there is no commandment greater than these.’

To love God is not a commandment like the others.  The other commandments guide us in ways we love our neighbour i.e. honouring our parents, not stealing or telling lies or taking our neighbour’s good name or destruction of the planet. When it comes to loving God, there are no limits. God is love. God is holy and God is a jealous God.

God is love. Disciples love God first. If disciples truly love God, they will love their neighbour. They love God more than they love everyone else. They show that love by doing God’s will. Disciples love God with all their mind by following God’s guidance and by offering a sacrifice to God. They offer sacrifice this season of Lent as they keep the Lenten promise by prayer, fasting and almsgiving. They live each day to make God’s kingdom of peace and love a reality in daily life. They also read the Bible and reflect on God’s teaching. Disciples love with all their strength when they serve God and when they actively participate in the Church and parish community.

When disciples love God alone, they will understand the best way to love his/her neighbour.

VERITAS publications provides free access to the Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé online resources, which support the theme of love in all class standards. These resources include the Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé e-books. The Grow in Love / I nGrá Dé e-book for Fourth Class/P6 explores the Gospel message proclaimed for Mass today. Third P/5 and Fourth /P6 Grow in Love /I nGrá Dé class programmes also outline the Ten Commandments.

INVITATION

READ

• From the Bible or from Grow in Love / I nGrá Dé read ‘The greatest commandment’(Mk 12: 29-31)

PRAY

• Hail Mary/ Sé do bheatha a Mhuire, The Magnificat

SING

• ‘Love the Lord your God,’ You will find the video lyric on line for the Fourth Class/P6 Grow in Love/ I nGrá Dé programme

DO

• Make a Mother’s Day card for your Mam and write a prayer of thanks or a poem of love
• If you live near your parish church, you and your family could visit the Church. See if you can find a statue or image of Mary, Mother of God. Light a candle at a shrine or light the virtual candle from the Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé Say a prayer to Mary.

Sr Anne Neylon