March 10
Fourth Sunday of Lent
“Let my tongue be silenced, if I ever forget you!”
Readings
Reflection
Today, the Fourth Sunday of Lent, we celebrate Laetare Sunday. The term Laetare is derived from the opening words of the Latin Mass, “Rejoice (Laetare) Jerusalem” (Is 66:10), which calls the church to joyful anticipation of the victory of Christ over death.
The primary theme in today’s readings is the mercy of God. As we ponder the meaning of joyful anticipation, we should consider this theme of mercy from three aspects: God is rich in mercy; God’s mercy lifts us up; and the Blessings of God flow from God’s Mercy.
As faithful Catholic Christians, God calls us to be open to His mercy in all of its forms. I hope that we realize that even though we may not believe we are deserving of God’s love and mercy, it can lift us up out of times of despair when sin and weakness seem overwhelming.
God’s mercy is abundant and available to us if we choose to allow it to work within us. This Lent let us open ourselves to the great mercies of God the Father. Let sin be forgiven and your relationship with our Savior take on new meaning as the church joyfully anticipates the victory of Christ over death. With Jesus Christ’s victory over death comes our victory over death as well!
Peace,
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