Laetare Sunday

Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad in her, all you who mourn over her. For you will nurse and be satisfied at her comfortable breasts: you will drink deeply and delight in her overflowing abundance

Isaiah 66:10-12

Laetare Sunday, the fourth Sunday in Lent, is a Sunday of joy in the middle of the penitential season of Lent. The purple vestments are put away and rose or pink vestments are on display this Sunday. The rose color is a symbol of the joy, hope and light of Christ in the midst of the bleakness, suffering and hardships of life.

Laetare Sunday is celebrated at the mid-way point in Lent. This Sunday is set aside to encourage and remind the faithful to stay on the journey to seek a deeper relationship with God, being transformed as we navigate our worldly challenges. It is a day to give thanks for the unconditional gift of God’s grace, which is so abundantly poured over us. Christ is with us and God’s face shines on us.

As we walk the 40 days of Lent toward the Pascal Feast, we will soon celebrate Palm Sunday, and walk the passion of Christ and witness the crucification. We will be placing our own vulnerabilities at the foot of the cross.

Rose Sundays, found on the third Sunday in Advent and the fourth Sunday in Lent, remind God’s beloved people of the grace of God which is given to us.

In the midst of Lent, take a moment to give thanks and rejoice in the gifts that are poured over each one of us by a loving God.

Rejoice with Jerusalem…and delight in her overflowing abundance.

-The Rev. Jackie Whitfield