No social distancing from God

LAETARE SUNDAY

                                         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 midpoint, and I had not got started. I remember another Lent going well up to Laetare Sunday- I had a break on that day and could not get started again.!!

In these uncertain times for the world, whether we are in lock down or still have a certain freedom to move, we have to practice  normal hygiene procedures and social distancing.

The good news for us to remember is that we do not have to practise social distancing from God.

He is there with open arms to hug us and love us through this crisis- in lock down  where we can use the opportunity to come closer to Him  like a retreat or if we are still fortunate enough to be able to move around for the necessities- we can be in communion  with our brothers and sisters all around the world in prayer.

So despite the tragic circumstances of the world, let us on this Laetare Sunday  rejoice. in whatever way we can.  

We do not have to social distance ourselves from God.. that is definitely something about which we can rejoice.