Dear St. Paul Family and Friends,

This Fourth Sunday of Lent is traditionally called Laetare Sunday. Similar to Gaudete on the Third Sunday of Advent, the term is the Latin equivalent for joy or rejoice. The Entrance Antiphon says it perfectly, “Rejoice (Laetare) Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful, all who were in mourning; exult and be satisfied at her consoling breast.” Cf. Isaiah 66, 10-11.

Joy within the penitential season of Lent is in fact very much needed. The thorough examination of conscience which Lent encourages us to do is undoubtedly a beautiful experience. Humbly identifying our sins is beautiful, but can also be unpleasant and demoralizing. You can begin to think of how awful you have become through the years. Laetare Sunday allows us to see that Lent is not just about our sins but ultimately about the joy of God’s mercy.

Laetare Sunday is also joyful encouragement in the middle of the journey. On Ash Wednesday, Easter was six and half weeks - a long way off! On Laetare Sunday, Easter is only three weeks away. The greatest of all Christian feast is already near. In our own experience, when we are already in the middle, that is when we begin to lose our drive. When running, for example, you begin to feel tired half-way, but the thought that you are already half-done can be encouraging. Laetare Sunday allows us to realize that we are already half-done. The rigors of our self-mortification are over half-completed and the end is in sight. It is encouraging to realize that three weeks and a half are completed and only three weeks remain in the journey.

Our readings this weekend are also marked by joyful celebrations. In the first reading, the Israelites were encamped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho celebrating the Passover and eating of the produce of the land because the LORD has removed the reproach of Egypt from them. Freedom is worth joyfully celebrating.

In the Gospel, after leaving the house and squandering all his properties, the youngest son comes to his senses and realizes the terrible situation his decisions put him into. He comes back to his father, and says, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son.” But his father embraces him and kisses him, orders his servant to put the finest robe on him and ring on his finger, and orders everyone to celebrate for “this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.” The return of a child is always a cause for rejoicing.

Friends, whatever it is you are experiencing right now, do not lose sight of the many reasons to remain joyful.