Laetare Sunday

My Dear Parishioners,
 
Today is the Fourth Sunday of Lent which is also known as LAETARE SUNDAY. Laetare is Latin for “rejoice” in anticipation of the Easter celebration which draws near. The use of rose colored vestments is an outward sign of this approaching joy in the feast of our Lord’s Holy Resurrection.
 
The Gospel reading comes from the Apostle and Evangelist John and tells us of the night conversation which the Lord Jesus had with Nicodemus. Nicodemus was a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish Council which later condemned Jesus to death. After this conversation with Jesus Nicodemus became a follower but one who remained secret. Along with Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus would defend Jesus before the Sanhedrin, but as the Gospels testify, to no avail. These two men would later join the Mother of God, the Women Disciples led by Mary Magdalene, and the Apostle John at Calvary to take down the precious Body of the Lord Jesus from the Cross. These faithful ones lovingly prepared the Lord’s body for its hasty burial in a rock-hewn tomb in which no one had been laid. Saint Joseph of Arimathea is the patron saint of funeral directors and he is joined by Saint Nicodemus.
 
In John 3:16 we find the words: FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY SON, SO THAT EVERYONE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM MIGHT NOT PERISH BUT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE. God gave us His Only Begotten Son Jesus and Jesus gave His life for us on the wood of the Cross. He suffered greatly for our sins but His victory from the tomb is the promise of eternal life for all who hope in Him. God loves us so much and proves it to us! What about us? How are we showing our love for God in these Lenten days? Are you fasting, praying, giving alms or just doing what you selfishly want? The suffering that Jesus endured should be moving your heart to repentance and conversion during this holy time AND IF IT IS NOT, SOM ETH ING IS WRONG! The problem is YOU! All of us are challenged during these Lenten days to enter into the mystery of the Cross and this happens when the disciplines of prayer, fasting and almsgiving are vibrant in our lives. It’s never too late – start NOW, TODAY – before it is too late and you find yourself standing in judgment before the One who was pierced for our transgressions.
 
Next Sunday the crosses and statues will be veiled in purple as yet another liturgical sign that the days marking the saving events of our redemption draw near. More on this tradition will appear in my article next Sunday.
 
Remember: PRAY, FAST GIVE ALMS – it’s what we do, it makes us strong!
 
Happy Lent!
Father Zig