Truly, we are creatures of habit. Used to standing for the Gospel Acclamation’s alleluias immediately following the Epistle, congregations at Mass are usually caught by surprise when the Sequence appears instead. Often left without instruction by the lector or cantor, worshippers stand, hesitate, then self-consciously resume their seats.

It’s time to pray for rain. Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas, according to a recent report from the U.S. Drought Monitor. are getting drier by the day. As of April 26, 2022, 45.4% of the U.S. and 54.2% of the lower 48 states are in drought.