"The fourth Sunday in Advent came as a respite. Laetare, or Refreshment Sunday. There were flowers in the sanctuary and shrine, the vestments were rose-colored, and Silverside and dumplings for dinner....
"Gaudete cum laetitia- "Rejoice and be glad"- the community sang. It was a taste of joy, "a breather," as Sister Hilary said, before going into Passiontide, the great drama of Christ's journey from Galilee to Jerusalem and his surrender into the hands of his enemies." [Rumer Godden, In this House of Brede]
Some Laetare Sunday ideas:
-The Gospel for today's Mass was traditionally the Feeding of the Multitude. Consider making a donation to your local food pantry.
-Read this reflection on today's readings, which includes the parable of the Prodigal Son.
-Set the table with a rose-colored cloth or flowers.
-Laetare Sunday was also called Mothering Sunday, because of the celebration of ancestry in the Epistle. Try your hand a traditional simnel cake. Pious men, pick up some spring flowers for the mother of your family.
Just because it's my favorite of the whole year, here's today's Introit chant.
ReplyDelete