Laetare!
Rejoice!
Today is Laetare Sunday, from the Latin Laetare meaning rejoice. It is the first word of the Introit, one of the opening prayers of today's Mass . The Church provides for a day of rejoicing in the midst of our Lenten journey, and it is with great joy that we welcome the sight of the rose colored vestments that signify joy and give even our eyes a respite from the penitential violet. We pause and rejoice that our time of penance is half completed, and we look ahead to the joy that awaits us at Easter. It always seems to me a good time to reflect on how our Lent has been progressing, to sort of take stock and see what areas we need to concentrate on for the remainder of Lent. We pray for the grace to persevere in our sacrifices, to enter into the mystery of the Passion as fully as we are capable, and to dispose ourselves to truly celebrate the joy of the Resurrection.
Hope you all had a rose colored, blessed, joyful day!
