The fourth Sunday in Lent in the Western tradition is known by several names: “The Sunday of the Five Loaves” from the Gospel passage for the day (John 6:1-14). “Rose Sunday” because the clerical and Altar vestments may change color from violet to rose. But why the change in color in the first place? Another name for this Sunday gives us a clue: “Laetare Sunday” (Laetare meaning: Rejoice).
The Introit chant for this Sunday begins in Latin: Laetare Jerusalem, et conventum facite omnes qui diligitis eam. (Rejoice, O Jerusalem: and come together all you that love her). This chant is taken from Isaiah 66:10. The call to rejoice here in the middle of this season of repentance is meant as an encouragement to us, a comforting reminder of the tenderness, the nurturing, even the motherliness of God. As an outward symbol of this, the liturgical vestments here in the West lighten on Laetare Sunday from a somber violet to a soft, maternal rose color. And that maternal-ness gives this Sunday yet another popular name: Mothering Sunday. The theme of mothering features prominently in the Propers of this day. Continue reading “Mothering Sunday”