Thoughts from our Chaplain: Smile and smile again!

Yesterday we were celebrating Laetare Sunday (4^th Sunday of Lent). It is so called because that is the first word of the Latin entrance antiphon and means “Rejoice”. It reads “Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful, all were in mourning; exult and be satisfied at her consoling breasts.” Jerusalem, the place where God dwelled was seen as a mother. And the sentiments of joy are expressed in the readings: The youngest son, David, being anointed king; we becoming children of light (Eph.) and the blind man being cured. And joy will be a common theme is the subsequent daily readings. However, traditionally we rejoice on this Sunday, because the Easter celebrations are coming nearer.

It all reminded me of a poem, entitled Smiling that an elderly lady called Colette sent me from a nursing home. I would like to share it with you: 

Smiling is infectious

You catch it like the flu

When someone smiled at me today

I started smiling too.

I passed around the corner and

Someone saw me grin

When he smiled I realised

I’d passed it on to him.

I thought about the smile

Then I realised what its worth

A single smile just like mine

Could travel around the earth.

So if you feel a smile begin

Don’t leave it undetected

Let’s start an epidemic quick

And get  the world infected! 

A very good and uplifting exercise for Lent! Moreover, if you are prepared to share your chocolate bar, you most likely will make the other person smile too!                                        

Fr Piet Wijngaard, O.Carm.