Fourth Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday)

The Fourth Sunday of Lent is known as "Laetare Sunday" from the Latin word meaning "Rejoice!" Like Gaudete Sunday in Advent, it marks a pause in the penitential season for joyful anticipation of what lies ahead.

"Rejoice, O Jerusalem!"

The entrance antiphon gives this Sunday its name:

"'Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her, all you who love her. Rejoice for joy with her, all you who mourn over her; that you may nurse and be satisfied at the comforting breasts; that you may drink deeply, and be delighted with the abundance of…" — Isaiah 66:10-11

Though we are still in Lent, Easter's joy begins to break through.

The Rose Vestments

Like Gaudete Sunday in Advent, the priest may wear rose-colored vestments on Laetare Sunday—a visual sign that the penitential season is moving toward its joyful conclusion. The Church's discipline is real, but it is ordered toward resurrection joy.

The Man Born Blind (Year A)

In Year A, the Gospel tells of Jesus healing the man born blind:

"He answered, 'The man called Jesus made mud and anointed my eyes and said to me, "Go to Siloam and wash." So I went and washed and received my sight.'" — John 9:11

This story of coming from darkness to light perfectly fits the journey of catechumens toward the illumination of baptism.

The Prodigal Son (Year C)

Year C presents the parable of the prodigal son—the supreme story of God's merciful welcome to repentant sinners:

"'But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet." — Luke 15:22, 24

Joy in the Midst of Discipline

Laetare Sunday teaches us that Christian penance is never an end in itself. We fast in order to feast. We die in order to rise. The joy of Easter already illuminates our Lenten journey.

The Homestretch

With Laetare Sunday, we enter the final phase of Lent. Passiontide begins next Sunday. Holy Week approaches. The cross looms—but so does the empty tomb.