Fourth Sunday In Lent: Laetare.

Laetare Sunday vestments. Photo Copyright (c) Roy Ehman, Alcoa, TN. 

This Lenten Sunday is designated as Laetare (Latin for "Rejoice") in liturgical churches, based on the introit (see Isaiah 66:10-13 and Psalm 122:1):

"Rejoice, Jerusalem; all of you who love her, join together; those of you who have been in sorrow, rejoice! Be filled from the breast of her consolation! I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the LORD.' Glory be to the Father."

Here, in the middle of the Lent season, we are reminded that Jesus has come to redeem all people. And that reminder brings a shift in the Lenten focus. We move from our reflection, remembrance, and penitent searching, and we take this Sunday to break out in praise: a moment of rejoicing in the hope that Jesus brings to the human heart.

As a visual allegory in support of this shift from penitence to rejoicing, many liturgical churches change their vestment colors from purple to rose.

The traditional Scripture passages for this fourth Sunday in Lent are from John 6 (the feeding of the five thousand) and Galatians 4 (Paul's assertion that we are sons of the spiritual Jerusalem and legitimate heirs to the promise of God).

Lord, we rejoice today! We are fed by You!
Lord, we are glad today! We are kept by You!