March 14, 2021 - Fourth Sunday of Lent – Laetare Sunday
March12,2021
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
At this mid-point of Lent, we pause to rejoice. This Sunday, which parallels a similar Sunday in Advent, is known as Laetare i.e. Rejoice Sunday. It is a tradition to replace the stark violet vestments on this day with rose-colored ones. The name comes from the traditional entrance chant, or Introit, which begins in Latin with the words “Rejoice Jerusalem” from Isaiah 66:10-11. Today, we can already anticipate the joy of Easter. All of our Lenten observances have not been in vain, but are the means that lead our souls into the loving, joyful embrace of our Lord. It is all worth it after all. Grace works. Therefore, we are encouraged to stay the course in the tried and true way no matter how difficult it may be. The cross leads to eternal joy in heaven. That eternal joy we can see even now, if we strive with all our might and by His love and grace to know, love, and serve Him.
In this Sunday’s Gospel (John 3:16), we hear words of great comfort and consolation: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” Look up and read what follows in your Bible. After all has been said and done Jesus remains our first, best, and last hope. As you enter our property, you see a Bible citation on the red sign from Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me: and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God; who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Jesus our loving and divine Savior is the one who guides all our ways yesterday, today, and forever.
During the time that remains in Lent, let us be more attentive to living our lives in union with the Lord, in obedience to the Gospel. At the end of Lent during Holy Week, we will reaffirm who we are in Christ. Let us rejoice!
Yours in the Lord, Fr. Mark G. Mazza, Pastor
Please note: Besides our regular Tuesday and Thursday weekday Masses in front of the church at 8:15 am, this coming week we will also have an 8:15 am morning Mass on Wednesday, March 17, The Solemnity of St. Patrick, co-patron of the Archdiocese; and on Friday, March 19, The Solemnity of St. Joseph. Since this is the Year of St. Joseph, a plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful under the usual conditions. The prayer to gain the indulgence will be prayed after Mass.