What is Laetare Sunday?
By John R. Sachs, SJ, ’69, MA’73
The Fourth Sunday of Lent is commonly known as Laetare Sunday. Laetare is Latin for “Rejoice!” Why rejoice in Lent? Well, if we still fasted the way the Church did beginning in the 4th century, when the custom of a 40-day penitential period of fast and abstinence before Easter spread throughout the whole church, we’d be all too ready to rejoice. Lent is about half over! “Rejoice” happens to be the first word of the Entrance Antiphon for the Mass on that day. (Before Vatican II, the Antiphon was a short scriptural text, often chanted, that served as a kind of introductory rite to the Mass. Today we usually begin the Sunday celebration of the Mass with an opening song.)
To be sure, part of the joy that this ancient custom has invited believers to over the years is to feel and express a break from fasting and other penances. We use festive music, flowers and beautiful rose-colored vestments, all in anticipation of the coming Easter feast. Indeed, some Christian churches consider Laetare Sunday a kind of “small Easter.” In fact, this custom can deepen and enrich our understanding of the purpose of Lent.
The season of Lent is a time for both sacrifice and celebration. Laetare Sunday might be a good opportunity to think of Lenten practices that open you up to become a more joyful person. You might give something up to break usual habits and become more centered. You might do something new that adds more joy to your daily routine. Both can help you prepare for Easter and ask God for the grace to desire new life in Christ more than the many other things we might have been focused on.
By the way, here’s that antiphon in full:
“Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful, all who were in mourning; exult and be satisfied at her consoling breast.” ~ Isaiah 66:10-11
In its original context, the Jewish people were enslaved exiles from their homeland and the prophet was announcing that divine deliverance from the “Babylonian Captivity” was at hand. Therefore, the people can rejoice, for they would soon return to their home, and to its capital, “mother” Jerusalem. On Laetare Sunday, it is most appropriate to pray for peace.
By the way, here’s that antiphon in full:
“Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful, all who were in mourning; exult and be satisfied at her consoling breast.” ~ Isaiah 66:10-11
In its original context, the Jewish people were enslaved exiles from their homeland and the prophet was announcing that divine deliverance from the “Babylonian Captivity” was at hand. Therefore, the people can rejoice, for they would soon return to their home, and to its capital, “mother” Jerusalem. On Laetare Sunday, it is most appropriate to pray for peace.
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