Laetare Jerusalem: et conventum facite omnes qui diligitis eam: gaudete cum laetitia, qui in tristitia fuistis: ut exsultetis, et satiemini ab uberibus consolationis vestrae.
Midway through Lent the Church celebrates Laetare Sunday. Laetare is Latin for rejoice and is taken from the entrance antiphon for today's Mass: "Rejoice, Jerusalem! Be glad for her, you who love her; rejoice with her, you who mourned for her, and you will find contentment at her consoling breasts." The joy expressed on this particular Sunday is evident by the rose colored vestments worn by the clergy and the flowers permitted on the altar. Our Lenten penances continue for another few weeks, but this Sunday we are reminded of the hope of our salvation. Easter is drawing near! Rejoice, O Jerusalem!
My own Lenten journey, thus far, has been especially fruitful. (Thanks be to God for His Grace!) My excitement for Easter can hardly be contained and I, along with the whole body of Christ, rejoice on this special Sunday because we are almost there! But I am reminded, particularly in these final penitential weeks, of a joy that accompanies us - not only along our Lenten pilgrimage, but during our entire pilgrim-life on earth. This Joy weaves herself through our sorrow as we meditate on His via dolorosa. She is not a celebratory Joy. She is tranquil, serene. Her gentle, winding tributaries flow through our souls as we unite our suffering to His, as we become one with Him in His agony and death. We discover her only when we respond to our Father's invitation to enter into communion with our Savior's passion and thereby contribute to the redemption of the world. (Colossians 1:24) Such a wonderful, awesome gift!
During these final days of Lent, I pray that you and I be granted the grace to continue our journey in love and peace. May we rest in His most Sacred Heart and meditate on the supernatural mystery of our participation in the redemption of mankind. Let His love carry you to Easter - when we will, once and for all, proclaim his Kingship with shouts of Joy.
God Bless You!
No comments:
Post a Comment