[ampaterry]

Today is the fourth Sunday of Lent, called Laetare Sunday in the Catholic and some other Christian churches. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, the name comes from the first words of the Introit at Mass, "Laetare Jerusalem " -- "Rejoice, O Jerusalem ".

The day is also known as Mothering Sunday (also the old English name for Mothers Day), Refreshment Sunday, Mid-Lent Sunday (in French mi-carême), and Rose Sunday (because the golden rose sent by the popes to Catholic sovereigns used to be blessed at this time), and “The Sunday of the Five Loaves” from the story of the miracle of the loaves and fishes which was read at this time in the older Lectionary series.

This day is a day of relaxation from normal lenten rigors; a day of hope with Easter being at last within sight. Traditionally, even weddings (otherwise banned during Lent) could be performed on this day.

This is indeed a day of hope. At this time of year, we are sobered by the approach of Good Friday, when we memorialize with horror the torture and death of Jesus Christ our Lord. We read the passages which detail his suffering. Judy and I will put in the DVD of The Passion of The Christ, and once again experience the awful realization that it is we –you and I – that made this suffering necessary.

But the story does not end there -
Good Friday is followed by Easter Sunday, when the Lord rose in triumph from the tomb where they had laid him. So even now, in the middle of the season which is dedicated to the somber recognition of this, there is a day set aside to remember that what is coming – while horrible to contemplate – is the beginning of something wonderful!
In the midst of the mourning, Christ appeared:
Luke 24:36 (KJV);
And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

So relax a bit today.
Feel and express hope today.
Jesus loves every one of you.
And I love every one of you.