Rose Sunday

Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, 
like the roar of rushing waters 
and like loud peals of thunder,
shouting “Hallelujah” 
For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
-Revelation:19:6

Reading this verse in the midst of Lent, I am sure some of you are thinking I have gone mad! What other explanation could there be for using “Hallelujah: in Lent? This past Sunday marked a somewhat lost festival day within the Church. It is known as Laetare (rejoice) Sunday or Rose Sunday. It is given these names because at the midpoint in Lent, we’re reminded that while we strip away some of the excess of our liturgy in a favor of a more solemn time, there is still great reason to rejoice. Primarily because while we have not even yet entered Holy Week, we know that death has already been defeated. In that knowledge, we tangibly see the light of the world shine through the deep penitential purple of Lent, and create a shade of rose. This is exhibited by the use of rose colored vestments, flowers on the altar, and a relaxing of the Lenten fasts on this day. Last year you will remember we even had a baptism!

In other parts of the world it is all known as Mothering Sunday as it is also Mother’s Day. Not only that, but parishioners would be encouraged to attend their “mother church” being the place they were baptized or their cathedral. There are so many traditions that make this day special, but the most significant is the reminder that when Christ on the cross said “it is finished,” he meant it. So as we journey through this Lenten season, repent, reconcile, and return to God, but also rejoice in the knowledge that Christ has been raised once and for all. Thanks be to God!

—Father Michael Sahdev

Let us pray…

Heavenly Father, we rejoice in your love. As we live out this Lenten season repenting of the ways in which we have wronged, help us to return to the way of light and peace. Give us courage to meet the days ahead, the strength to endure, and the peace that passes all understanding.