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.
