Parallel liturgy

Compared to 30 years ago, the attendances at Anzac Day ceremonies have become huge in recent years. The sacrifices of the soldiers in noble causes are remembered, which is a fine thing. The only thing I find regrettable is that the interest and gratitude in remembering the soldiers' sacrifice has not been matched by praise and thanksgiving for the sacrifice Jesus made for us on Calvary. The biggest day of the Easter Show is Good Friday, but woe betide any store that dares to open on Anzac Day during the march.

Enthusiasm for Australia Day has also increased, and the birth of the nation is celebrated, with some regrets by and for aboriginal people.

It just occurred to me that we are creating a secular liturgical year as a parallel (and I would say poor parallel) to the real liturgical year, but delayed by about a month.

The feast of Christmas is followed about a month later by Australia Day. The Advent season precedes Christmas, and the celebrations of the Festival of Sydney precede Australia Day.

Then, usually in April, the Church remembers Christ's sacrifice on Good Friday, and in the secular liturgical universe, we remember the soldiers' sacrifice on Anzac Day on April 25th.

It is a pity if the secular liturgy only succeeds at the expense of the real, and much more fruitful liturgy of the Church.