Laetare Sunday- 4th Sunday of Lent

The Collect for the 4th Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday) is as follows:

O God, who through Your Word

reconcile the human race to Yourself in a wonderful way,

grant, we pray,

that with prompt devotion and eager faith

the Christian  people may hasten

 toward the solemn celebrations to come.

                                          
In making this prayer tangible for during the week, the following reflections questions emerged:

1. What value do I place in my life of Christ's death and resurrection?
2. What does it mean to me to be a catholic/ Christian?
3.  What is my level of devotion and faith? How will I improve it this coming week?
4.  How will I celebrate the solemn celebrations this year?
5.  Am  I eager to celebrate resurrection at Easter or do I think of it as just another feast?
6.  What steps will I take to be reconciled to God this week ( eg Sacrament of Reconciliation).

                                                 How is your Lenten journey progressing?

Are you feeling weary and ready for a little break?

In Lent, we have the tradition to have a mid-Lent break, (the half way point of Lent), which is known as 'Laetare' Sunday derived from the latin 'to rejoice'. Liturgically we break away from the Lenten penitential spirit of the purple vestments to the wearing of rose-coloured  vestments by the priest and/or deacon.  These rose coloured vestments are only worn twice a year, so from a practical perspective, some parishes do not have a set, but use lighter purple vestments.

The fourth Sunday of Lent is also known as 'let up Sunday' because we 'let up' on our Lenten penance. It can be a timely reminder for those of us who may have struggled through Lent so far.  I remember thinking during one of my disastrous Lents that  we had reached the mid point, and I had not got startsed. I remember another Lent going well up to Laetare Sunday- I had a break on that day and could not get started again. 

 

 It is an excellent time to review how our Lenten journey and tweak it accordingly.  Never too late to start and/or start again.

 

Anyway, enjoy Laetare Sunday- we can all do with a break but for people like myself, do remember to get started again afterwards!!!!