Lenten Meditations: Saturday 5 March

Mar 5, 2016 by

Psalms:  am: 96, 97,100               pm: 104

OT: Ex 1:22-2:10            Epistle: Heb 7:11-end                   Gospel: John 8:48-end

THIRD SATURDAY OF LENT: St. Piran of Cornwall, St. Kieran/ Ciarán of Saigir, Bishop, 530 AD

LITURGICAL THEME FOR THE DAY: Piran was a hermit near Padstow in Cornwall and sometimes called Perran. He is the patron saint of tin mines there and is often erroneously identified with St. Kyran (Kieran) of Saighir. St. Kieran was one of the 12 men known as the 12 Apostles of Ireland who when St. Patrick arrived in Ireland, gave him his much assistance. Eventually, he became the first bishop of Ossory. The diocese of Ossory, “Ireland’s oldest bishopric”, was probably co-terminus with the ancient kingdom of Ossory. Some hagiography’s credit Kieran, as a pioneer founder of Irish women’s convents from which the village called Saigher arose around the monastery. In addition to this some hold that he is one of four bishops to have preceded Saint Patrick (Ailbe Bishop of Emly; Declan of Ardmore; Ciaran, and Ibar of Beg Iri, a small island off the Wexford coast.)

MEDITATION OF THE DAY: In the closing out of this chapter from Hebrews in the Church of England Lectionary the discussion continues about Jesus as High Priest, after the order of Melchizedek and how the greatness of Jesus as our new High Priest is evident. Sadly, in our age when we hear about the call to holiness in the priesthood there is much jeering given the various scandals that have occurred in recent days. The human frailty of the priest is not new. However, we are called to witness a holiness that reflects Christ amidst our frailty. Of course, this is not limited to those in the clergy but is a reality of vocation for all followers. To that end lay people should pray for their clergy and conversely the clergy for the people. This would highlight the spirit of today’s lesson and also demonstrate to the world a renewal of the priesthood of all believers and that of the sacerdotal priesthood.

PRAYER OF THE DAY: “Lord Jesus Christ, you called the priests and clergy to a place set apart for the work of ministry, please grant them the grace and the will to follow your example. Enable all your people to make time to experience a true union with you, to know ourselves better and to get closer to you. Help us all to listen attentively, to ponder prayerfully, and to speak wisely so as that we may be better ready to serve you. Amen

ANCIENT WISDOM/PRESENT GRACE: “Do you wish to know if the people of any place are righteous? Look what sort of a pastor they have. If you find him pious, just, sound, believe the people will be the same, for they are seasoned with the salt of his wisdom.’ –St. John Chrysostom

LENTEN DISCIPLINE – Use a portion of time today to pray for new vocations. Also pray for by name those priests who have had an influence your life. How can you offer priestly service today through prayer or action?

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