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This Fourth Sunday of Lent, or “Laetare Sunday”, stands out as a moment of joy in the otherwise penitential season of Lent. It takes its name from the Latin word “laetare” or “rejoice”, which is the first word of the Entrance Antiphon of today’s Mass. “Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful, all who were in mourning” (Isaiah 66:10-11). This Sunday’s Liturgy gives us some encouragement as we draw closer to the joy of Easter. The penitential tone is softened, reminding us that our sacrifices and penances lead to the triumph and glory of Christ’s Resurrection. The following are some of the signs and symbols of that joy you will notice this weekend.
1. Rose-coloured vestments: the liturgical colour today changes from the sombre violet of Lent to a joyful rose, symbolising hope and the approach of Easter. Rose-coloured vestments are used only twice a year, the other occasion being “Gaudete Sunday” in Advent. The tradition dates from the 11th Century, and is linked to the Golden Rose, a gift blessed by the pope on Laetare Sunday which was often given to Christian rulers, churches and significant people as a sign of favour. Although this custom has faded, the popes still often give the Golden Rose as a sign of honour to Marian shrines around the world, such as Lourdes and Fatima. One of Our Lady’s titles is the “Mystical Rose.”
2. The more joyful tone of the Liturgy: The readings reflect themes of joy, mercy and restoration. The Gospel this Sunday is the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15: 11-32), which emphasises God’s boundless mercy, and the great joy over a sinner repenting. The parable is a powerful reminder that no matter how far we stray, God always welcomes us back with open arms.
3. Flowers on the Altar: Flowers are forbidden throughout Lent, but this Sunday a modest display of flowers is permitted, reflecting our joyful anticipation.
4. More joyful music: Throughout Lent the music is more subdued and organ voluntaries are not normally played, and it is traditional to process out in silence at the end of Mass, emphasising the penitential nature of the season. On Laetare Sunday, however, the Church permits the organ to be played more freely, reminding us of the coming joy of Easter.
Laetare Sunday then is a reminder that even in this time of penance, the Christian life is ultimately about joy. It invites us to reflect on God’s mercy, to renew our hope in salvation, and to persevere in our Lenten journey with renewed strength. Many of us may have become discouraged because we perhaps began Lent with great intentions of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, but we’ve struggled to keep those resolutions. Laetare Sunday reassures us: it’s never too late to start again! And God doesn’t judge our worth by how perfectly we’ve kept our resolutions, but by our willingness to return to Him. So if we’ve faltered, like the Prodigal Son, let us turn back to the Father Who will welcome us with open arms.
Fr Paul Gillham, IC