The Fourth Sunday of Lent is known as Laetare Sunday. This is drawn from the entrance antiphon, which reads: “Rejoice Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful, all who were mourning; exult and be satisfied at her consoling breast.” So Laetare Sunday is “Rejoice Sunday.” Why do we rejoice? Because the sacrifices of Lent are nearing their end. Easter is near at hand. The priest wears rose vestments, symbolizing the rising of the sun at dawn.  
    
St. Paul tells us, “You once were darkness, but now you are light.” Through Jesus we have been redeemed from darkness and now are filled with His light. Therefore, we must rejoice. Even in the midst of trial and strife, we know that “we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”