Happy Sexagesima Sunday! The AOC Sunday Report can be downloaded RIGHT HERE!
What is Sexagesima?
Sexagesima, or, in full, Sexagesima Sunday, is the name for the Second Sunday before Ash Wednesday in the Catholic (Universal or Whole) Church Calendar.
The name "Sexagesima" is derived from the Latin sexagesimus, meaning "sixtieth," and appears to be a back-formation of Quinquagesima, the term formerly used to denote the last Sunday before Lent (the latter name alluding to the fact that there are fifty days between that Sunday and Easter, if one counts both days themselves in the total). Through the same process, the Sunday before Sexagesima Sunday is known as Septuagesima Sunday, and marks the start of the Pre-Lenten Season, which eventually became the time for carnival celebrations throughout Europe, this custom being later exported to places settled and/or colonized by Europeans. While Quinquagesima (50th day) is mathematically correct (allowing for the inclusive counting), Sexagesima and Septuagesima are only approximations (the exact number of days is 57 and 64 respectively). The earliest Sexagesima can occur is January 25 and the latest is February 28 (or February 29 in a leap year).
The 17-day period beginning on Septuagesima Sunday spanning Sexuagesima and Quinquagesima Sundays was intended to be observed as a preparation for the season of Lent, which is itself a period of spiritual preparation (for Easter). In many countries, however, Septuagesima Sunday marks the start of the carnival season, culminating on Shrove Tuesday, more commonly known as Mardi Gras.
The Gospel reading for Sexagesima week is the parable of the sower (Luke 8:4).
Today we have super sermons from Bishops Jerry and Roy, as well as from Revs Jack and Bryan. Rev Jack's sermon may be viewed on video RIGHT HERE.
The sermons are pretty much like every Sunday! These are really good. Do you wonder how they manage it each Sunday? They all have real jobs and manage to come up with super sermons each Sunday. I am impressed and I hope you are.
Today we have a lot of people who need your prayer. Please start with Shamu who had her 34th surgical procedure last week, for Tricia who is having difficulties recovering from her stroke, for Jim who is doggedly clawing his way back to health and Laurie whose lungs are still suffering from the effects of Covid and work out from there.
There is a lot of trouble ahead and a lot of joy, which one you end up with to a large extend depends on you and the Holy Ghost. Choose your company wisely!
Have a wonderful week.
Godspeed,
Hap
Church of the Faithful Centurion
Descanso, California
United States of America
