Joshua 5: 9-12
II Corinthians 5: 17-21
Psalm 34
Luke 15: 1-32
The traditional name of this Sunday is Laetare, “rejoice,” from the Latin incipit of today’s Introit. Today’s readings reflect this theme of joy: the joy of the Chosen People as they eat the Passover for the first time in the Land; the joy of being “a new creation” in Christ; the joy in the household over the return of the Prodigal Son, echoed by the joy in heaven over the one sinner who repents. In the First Reading, the miraculous provision of manna ceases for the Israelites, because of their entrance into the Land, where they could now grow wheat for the unleavened bread needed for Passover…much like the way it will be for us entering into the Kingdom, “at length where sacraments will cease.” The Gospel presents the parable of the Prodigal Son, showing the Pharisees (who had questioned Jesus’ actions in eating with sinners) the mercy that He as God’s Son was extending. In the Byzantine Church, the Gospel of the Prodigal Son is read on one of the pre-Lenten Sundays, and contains hymnody such as this: “O faithful, let us discover the power of the divine mystery! The prodigal came back from his sin and returned to his father’s house; in his loving kindness, his father came out to meet him and kissed him. He restored him to the glory of his house and prepared a mystical banquet on high. He killed the fatted calf so that we may share in his joy: the joy of the Father who offers with love, and the joy of the Lamb who gives Himself for us; for He is Christ, the Savior of our souls.” The Second Reading puts the Gospel into context for Lent: “All of this is from God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Christ and given us the ministry of reconciliation.” It was for such as the prodigal that Jesus, “who knew not sin, became sin, so that we might become the righteousness of God—in Him!”
This hymn is based on today’s Scriptures:
Through the barren waste were led
By the loving God, who gave
To His people heav'nly Bread.
Taste & see the Lord is good;
Christ Himself becomes our food.
Even as the Prodigal,
Torn by hunger, came at last
To the loving Father's house,
Let us come and break our fast:
Taste & see the Lord is good:
Christ Himself becomes our food.
All of us who live in Christ
Are a new creation made;
Sent by Christ to reconcile,
We go forth now, unafraid:
Taste & see the Lord is good;
Christ Himself becomes our food.
77.77.77
Song of Hope (Amranh Dochais)
Propers from the Roman Gradual
Today is the traditional ‘mid-point’ in the season of Lent. This Sunday is still known to many Roman Catholics by the first word of its Introit as “Laetare,” or “Rejoice” Sunday, and the option is still given in the liturgical books to wear rose-colored vestments on this Sunday. Permission is also given to utilize flowers in the decoration of the church today, and to use the organ for other things than supporting weak singing. The Introit for today ties in very aptly with the story of the destruction and restoration of Jerusalem given in the First Reading. Paul’s emphasis on grace in the Second Reading today finds a lovely echo in the words of the Offertory, “Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that he did in heaven and on earth.” The first option for Communion today would be used if the readings of Year A were proclaimed, echoing the sentiments of the man born blind. The second option is sung if the readings of Year B are proclaimed, and ties again to the First Reading. Yet a third option, not supplied by the RG but suggested by the author, is a quotation from the Gospel for Year B, highlighting one of the major ideas in that reading.
Introit: Laetare (Is. 66:10-11a; Ps. 122:1)
Rejoice with Jerusalem;
and be glad because of her, all you that love her;
rejoice with her with great gladness,
all you that in sadness mourn for her;
that you may suck and be satisfied
at the breasts of her consolation.
I was glad when they said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
Offertory: Laudate Dominum (Ps. 135:3,6a)
Sing praises to the Lord, for the Lord is gracious.
O sing praises unto his Name, for it is lovely.
Whatsover the Lord pleased,
That he did in heaven and on earth.
Communion, option one: Lutum fecit (Jn. 9:6,11,38)
(used when using the OCIA readings, Cycle A) ML2
The Lord made some clay with his spittle, and he spread it over my eyes.
And I went, I washed, I began to see, and I put my faith in God.
Communion, option two: Jerusalem quae aedificatur (Ps. 122:3-4)
(The one assigned to Year B by the Roman Gradual.)
Jerusalem is built as a city that is at unity with itself,
for thither the tribes go up, even the tribes of the Lord,
to give thanks unto the Name of the Lord.
Communion, option three: Solvite templum hoc (Jn. 2:13-25)
(actually matches the Gospel of Year B)
Destroy this temple, says the Lord,
and after three days, I will rebuild it.
He said this concerning the temple of his body.
Entrance: BFW 81 (In my distress I called out to the Lord . . . )
Response: BFW 83 (The Lord is our help in time of distress)
or BFW 84 (Lord, listen to my voice)
or tract BFW 76 or 86
Gospel acclamation antiphon: BFW 85
Offertory: BFW 87 (It is good to give thanks to the Lord our God)
Communion: BFW 89 (I will go to the altar of God . . . )