The Fourth
Sunday of Lent is called Laetare Sunday, when the Church takes a bit of
breather from Lenten practice as we sing “Rejoice, Jerusalem … be joyful,
all who were in mourning!”
We look
with expectation to the great Solemnity of Easter for which we have been
preparing ourselves during the Lenten
season. By its anticipation of the joy of Easter, Laetare Sunday is meant to
give us hope and encouragement as we slowly progress towards the Paschal Feast. The priest has taken off the purple of Lent and wears pink this day- a sign of joy- reminding us of the new life around us with flowers, lambs, calves.
"Holy
Communion is the feast of the soul - that is to say, a source of deepest
joys. As bread imparts to the body strength and a feeling of contentment, so
does the Bread of Life bring peace and joy to your heart because of the wonderful
fruits of grace it produces in your soul." Fr. Lawrence
Lovasik. (d. 1986)
This
spiritual joy brought to you in the Eucharist will make you bear the trials and
sufferings of life with a more peaceful, contented heart. “So you have
sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one
will take your joy from you.” (John 16:22)
“Today the
liturgy invites us to cheer up, because Easter, the day of Christ’s victory
over sin and death, is drawing nearer. Where is the spring of Christian joy but
in the Eucharist, which Christ left as a spiritual food, while we are pilgrims
on this earth?
This Eucharistic food provides for the faithful of all ages a profound joy, which is at one with love and with peace, and which springs forth from one’s communion with God and with one’s brothers.” Pope Benedict XV
This Eucharistic food provides for the faithful of all ages a profound joy, which is at one with love and with peace, and which springs forth from one’s communion with God and with one’s brothers.” Pope Benedict XV
”During His
earthly life, Jesus was ever kind and compassionate. You may hope for
everything from Him in Holy Communion, since you take Him into your heart. He
will be your best comforter and helper.” Fr. Lovasik
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