So how do we memento mori (remember thy death) in the midst of a weekend such as this? YES, it is Laetare Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Lent, which takes its name from the entrance antiphon (introit) for that day. Laetare means rejoice, and this Sunday we even relax the penitential character of the season so we might remember what the Prodigal Son’s father says, “now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.” I know it may be easier to remember the rose colored Sunday during Advent, but during this mid time of Lent we meditate on the joy of the Cross. It is the one and the same joy that unites us to Christ. This should be the source of our greatest happiness, as well as the source of our strength and support. We can still find reason to rejoice especially during this penitential season because we know the One who always loves us and Who, with His infinite love as God, will overcome our every trial, fill our emptiness, and forgive everyone of our sins...yes, even that one! As Holy Week and Easter draw near, so do forgiveness, mercy, divine compassion and a superabundance of grace. A little while longer and the mystery of our salvation will be consummated.
Pax, Fr. Bline
Join me in welcoming back Fr. Ryan Mann as he leads our Lenten hearts to beat as one with The Father's this Sunday, March 31, from 7:00-8:15 p.m.: "Whatever is authentically human helps us meet Jesus, but in our modern cultural climate, so many things hinder us. Get away from the distractions and numbness and hear the life-giving message of the Gospel for our times."
