This Fourth Sunday of Lent is called Laetare Sunday, because the entrance antiphon in Latin begins, “Laetare Jerusalem” — Rejoice Jerusalem. The people of Jerusalem had suffered some hard times having been conquered by the Babylonians in 587 B.C. and would see more hard times when Rome would destroy the temple in 70 A.D. (2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23) So the people needed encouragement for future times. So, too, do we. With the harsh winter we have experienced so far, our hearts could use a lift. That’s what is going to happen in a few weeks. As Jesus is lifted up on his throne (the Cross) to offer the perfect sacrifice for mankind, and as he lifts himself up out of the tomb on Easter Sunday, so too will he raise our hearts and spirits. All we have to do is continue our Lenten journey with prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
- Fr. Carl
Sundays should be holidays. Workers should have
Sundays off because “Sunday is for family.”
~ Pope Francis’ “Secrets to Happiness” (#5 of 10)
