Happy Sexagesima Sunday! What does this mean?
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).
The AOC Sunday Report can be downloaded RIGHT HERE!
We have excellent sermons today from Bishops Jerry, Roy and Jack; as well as from Rev Bryan. Each one is different and each one is very very good. I hope you will take the time to read them. If you don't feel like reading, Bishop Jack brings the propers together in his sermon which can be viewed on video HERE -> https://youtu.be/OTF7EH6mTJM
Bishop Jack’s sermon looks at the unifying message of the Collect, Epistle and Gospel and examine how they share the common message of action as we prepare for the real meaning of Lent, which itself is a season of preparation. In the Collect, we tell God we put our trust for eternal life not in our actions, but in His Power. For, only He has the capability to actually protect that which is truly important to us, our eternal souls. When Paul writes to the people of Corinth, he tells them to get a grip on who they are and what is important and it is not them. When Jesus relates the well known Parable of the Sower, which might be better referred to as the Parable of the Four Soils, for the seeds were all alike, that naturally brings up the subject of weeding and feeding. Action, not diction is what counts. It all comes together.
This week, like every other one, brings a lot of people needing your prayer, today is no exception. Please take a little time to pray; start with Jim, Mr. Kim, Tricia, Laurie, Shamu and work out from there.
There was a really really epic week ahead, but you're not going to find it without help. You might consider opening your heart to God if you're having a hard time seeing the good and the world. And I might add differentiating between good and bad.
Godspeed,
Hap Arnold
Bishop Coadjutor
Anglican Orthodox Church Worldwide
