Laetare Sunday

“In Lent the playing of musical instruments is called only to support the singing, except on Laetare Sunday, Solemnities and feasts” (Cf. Ordo). The reason for rejoicing in the middle of the Lenten season is our rising spirits due to the love of God for His sinful people, as the Gospel reading says. The faithful have the reason to rejoice since in their greatest sins, even the least of God’s love surpasses.

In all churches in the Philippines, we must rejoice since our Alay-Kapwa campaign during Lent shows our potential to draw out the best in each one by praying for one another and sharing our resources for our least brethren. In the Archdiocese of Davao, as kicked off last Sunday with the Archdiocesan Social Action Center spearheading, groups of persons with special need were gathered as part of our 75th Jubilee celebration. This provides us an occasion to rejoice due our concern and openness to listen and care for person with special needs.

Let us then rejoice not because of our weaknesses and sins but because of the great love we received which calls us to show and share with all our needy brothers this season of Lent and beyond.