Rejoice!

By Maya Almasy

Readings for March 8, 2024: Preparing for the Fourth Sunday in Lent

The fourth Sunday in Lent is known as “"Laetare Sunday" or “Rejoice Sunday.” This has historically been a day of celebration even though we are in the more somber period of Lent, a day of hope as Easter draws near. Priests had the option of wearing rose-coloured vestments, and flowers could appear on the altar. Weddings could be performed on this day, and servants were released from their duties to visit their mother church (the church where they were baptized), hence the name of Mothering Sunday that is also used for the fourth Sunday in Lent. 

The theme of rejoicing, specifically in God’s redemption, runs through the readings for today.  Redemption is specifically referenced in the Psalm (“O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,”) and the reading from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians (“In him we have redemption through his blood”). It is also implied in the reading from Daniel, who is told “you shall rise for your reward at the end of the days.” Daniel and Paul hint at a time of reckoning for those who have lived according to God’s word and those who haven’t, but the Psalm reassures us that it is never too late to turn to God, even when death is near. There is always hope. Rejoice!

“Give his angels charge at last in the fire the tares to cast. But the fruitful ears to store in his garner evermore.”