The First Reading for to-day's Mass was Moses and the Burning Bush. The Gospel was very short, Matthew xi. 25-7. The presiding priest (Bp. Lennon) read the Gospel. His homily was on the first reading.
If the Gospel was longer, and finished the last three verses of the chapter, this would have been read: "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light." --NAB
How in contrast was that Jesus towards the laborers as to the presider? People were outside complaining, and protesting the heavy yoke, and uncomfortable burden of the last five years of lennonism. They hoped they might get some relief from the investigation of Lennon, by the retired bishop of Trenton, John Smith. Some signs were there thanking Rome, and Bishop Smith.
Some of these people who held signs, had been inside the church for Mass. Subtracting their number from the pews, and adding to the number who remained outside, the resultant figure was greater. When the size of Mass attendance at the cathedral is compared to an average attending a daily Mass at many of the closed parishes, it is unimpressive.
After Mass some joined in a circle praying the Rosary.
Hopefully someone notified Bishop Smith that there were concerned Catholics in front of the cathedral with nothing but a positive attitude.
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