Laetare Sunday

The Fourth Sunday of Lent is called Laetare Sunday, meaning Rejoice. Apparently there is a break from the remorseful and repentant mood of Lent. The Church is exhorting all her children to rejoice! As St. Paul says, Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice!" But what is there to rejoice for? What could be the reason of our joy?!

I believe that the readings of today express so much the reason for our joy. We rejoice not because we feel remorseful or sorry for our sins. We rejoice primarily because GOD LOVES US. His mercy and compassion never end and His loving and care for us will never ever end. Even if we sin and sin terribly, He continues to be there. He continues to look out for our return, and once we do return, He will run and will eagerly accept us back into His fold, into His loving embrace. This is the reason of our joy!

We may be the most prodigal among God's children. But one fact remains: God loves everyone, even the most sinful. Now, isn't our God a wonderful God?!

We pray then that we will receive the grace of the prodigal son -- the grace to be truly humble to accept that we sinned, and the desire to return to our God.

Rejoice! God loves you and He wants you in His fold.