PINK SHIRT

SCRUTATIO SCRIPTURAE

 

PINK SHIRT

A Scrutatio for the 4th/Laetare Sunday of the CHRISTIAN SEASON OF LENT

Readings from the Anglican Book of Common Prayer

Joshua 4:19-24 to 5:9-12 / Psalm 34 / II Corinthians 5:17-21 / Luke 15:11-32

Readings for the Pauline/Vatican II Rite of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
Joshua 5:9a, 10-12 / Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, and 6-7. / II Corinthians 5:17-21 / Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Readings for the Tridentine Rite of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
Introit: Isaiah 66:10-11 and Psalm 122:1
Lesson: Galatians 4:22-31
Gradual: Psalm 122:1 and 7
Tract: Psalm 125:1-2

Gospel
John 6:1-15

Offertory: Psalm 135:3 and 6
Communion Antiphon: Psalm 122:3-4

September 7, 2012 A.D.

The Parish of the Immaculate Conception, Concepcion I., Marikina City...

As I was waiting for the 6:00 p.m. MASS in thanksgiving for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Penance that I have just received, there was a man wearing a pink shirt that has just arrived to attend the same MASS.

I can see clearly that he is a "person with special needs"...

He smiled and waved at the female ushers, at the members of the Apostleship of Prayer, and at the "elders" of the Church...

He was attentive at MASS...

Actively participating in his own little way (though there are songs and responses that were somewhat "gibberish")...

But what has left an imprint in my memory was what he did during Holy Communion...

After receiving THE EUCHARISTIC LAMB OF GOD, OUR BLESSED LORD AND REDEEMER, he lovingly touched the Priests right arm and waved goodbye...

As if he was saying "thank you" to the Priest-presider as well as to OUR LORD whom he represents for being PRESENT IN HIS BODY, BLOOD, SOUL AND DIVINITY!

This was a very meaningful gesture...

It taught me to be MORE GRATEFUL for this MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT that most of the time I have taken for granted.

May we be also challenged by this MAN IN THE PINK SHIRT...

We who are "normal," to FULLY APPRECIATE OUR LORD'S EXTRAORDINARY PRESENCE IN THE HOLY EUCHARIST.