Fourth Sunday of Lent – Laetare Sunday
Today is Laetare Sunday. The Latin “laetare” means "to rejoice" - the first word of the Entrance Antiphon for today’s Mass:
Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her.
Be joyful, all who were in mourning;
exult and be satisfied at her consoling breast.
In the spirit of joy of this middle Sunday of Lent, today is a day of relaxation from normal Lenten rigours; a day of hope with Easter at last within sight, only three weeks away.
When we face personal challenges or hear of atrocities in Ukraine and elsewhere, we know that in a time of challenge and trial it is not always easy to rejoice, but our faith reminds us that even in the darkest of times the Lord is near. As Lent reminds us, Easter only comes after the pain and agony of the Cross.






