Psalm 122:1 It made me glad to hear them say, "Let's go to the house of the LORD!"
This coming Sunday is the fourth Sunday in Lent. Like the third Sunday in Advent it is unique. Here we take a break from the otherwise penitential attitude of the season. It’s called Laetare Sunday or Rose Sunday. Laetare Sunday is also known as "Mothering Sunday" because of the Epistle reading that speaks of how not the Jews, but those who come to Christ, regardless of their ancestry, are the inheritors of Abraham's promise. The old practice of visiting the cathedral or "mother church" of the diocese on this day is another reason for the name. In England, natural mothers are honored today, too, in a manner rather like our Mother's Day. Spring bulb flowers (daffodils, for ex.) are given to mothers, and simnel cake is made to celebrate the occasion. Those who recognize this Sunday often put roses or other flowers on the altar and the paraments can be rose. I most like the sense of joy on this day. Of course I am always glad to go into the house of the Lord. I always leave uplifted from the worship and from the fellowship.
Blessed Lord, we are glad to come worship you and rejoice that we participate in the work of your Kingdom. Thank you for the blessings that come to us for our participation in your divine plan. We ask for your continued power and strength. Amen.
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