March 30 | Laetare Sunday

Laetare Sunday is the fourth Sunday in Lent in the western Christian liturgical calendar. This Sunday has been a day of celebration, within the austere season of Lent, and gets its name from the first few words of the traditional entrance verses in Latin, Laetare, meaning Rejoice. On Laetare Sunday (as similarly with the Third Sunday of Advent’s Gaudete Sunday) the church expresses hope and joy in the midst of our Lenten wandering and fasting. Call it pink — or, more fittingly, rose — a traditional color on this day indicates a glimpse of the joy that awaits us at Easter. Before we enter into the holy days of Passiontide, our music, prayers, and liturgical texts reflect this “mini” Easter. Happy are those for whom the forgiveness of God has “rolled away the disgrace” of former times. Happy is the parent at the return of a prodigal child. Happy are we that our sins are forgiven by God’s love in Jesus. Rejoice!