| Sunday, March 14, 2021 Good morning! Today, we depart from our usual live stream schedule to bring you a special 10 am Mass. We were honored to welcome our brothers and sisters from St. Martin de Porres Parish in North Philadelphia, led by their pastor, Fr. Stephen Thorne, and Deacon Melvin Burton. St. John’s and St. Martin’s partner in our Joint Catholic Ministry for Racial Justice. Eradicating the sin of racism and all forms of prejudice begins with encounter and prayer. We must never forget that we are all God’s children and that love is our imperative. We look forward to sharing more opportunities with our ministry members and their parishioners when we can safely do so. Today is also Laetare Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Lent and a day of celebration within this austere season. Like its Advent counterpart (Gaudete Sunday, on the third Sunday of Advent), Laetare takes its name from the entrance antiphon drawn from Isaiah: “Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her.” Today’s rose color reminds us to be hopeful, for our Lenten journey leads to the joy of the Resurrection and Easter. Finally, today, we mark a year of COVID’s grip on our nation and world. We pray for the 2.6 million souls lost, for the millions who mourn them, and for all who care for them… sometimes at the cost of their own lives. May God’s compassion and care be with the entire human family. Stay well, and may your day be blessed. We will see you Tuesday morning at 8. |