Monday, March 28, 2022

 Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent

(Isaiah 65:17-21; John 4:43-54)

Yesterday, the fourth Sunday of Lent, is called “Laetare Sunday.”  Most Catholics know that this term means rejoicing.  Preachers in pink vestments explain that the Church rejoices because the time of penance is half-over.  Wearing pink, rather than the solemn purple, symbolizes the lighter spirit.

The shift of Laetare Sunday is more significant than a one-day change of color. The daily mass readings will no longer call for repentance and prayer.  They will anticipate the fulfilment of God’s promises at Easter.  The spirit of coming fulfilment is readily seen in today’s first reading.  God tells the people that He is “about to create new heavens and a new earth.” The gospel actually shows fulfilment.  Jesus rescues the son of a Jewish royal official from death.

We may look for signs of fulfilment in our own lives.  Perhaps fasting has slimmed our waistlines a bit.  But if this were all the fulfilment so far, we have missed Lent’s purpose.  By now we should have developed a closer familiarity with the Lord.  Our conversation with him should be less tentative and more intimate.  We should be communicating our readiness to suffer with him.   If this is the case, we will likely see those around us in a new way as well.