The 4th Sunday in Lent is "Laetare Sunday", laetare is a Latin word meaning rejoice. In this Sunday we are invited to rejoice in anticipating the victory of the Lord Jesus over sin and death at Easter. In a sense we are also invited to "lighten up" a little from the prayer, fasting and alms giving of Lent. It is reflected in the liturgy too where the priest does not wear deep purple but a lighter colour that looks like pink but is officially the colour rose.

The gospel on Sunday is the familiar story of the prodigal son in it we are in a sense invited to anticipate and celebrate the love and forgiveness of God our father who is constantly on the look out for us to come back to him. It may sound shocking but it does not matter what we have done as long as we come to him with true humility, repentance, and a commitment to the conversion of mind heart and soul.

We do not need to look forward to this beautiful healing as something for the future, it is available to us now in the sacrament of penance - confession. 

Why wait for the Lord to heal your soul? Easter is a time of the year when the church asks you to receive this marvellous grace. Personally, I am always willing to hear a confession anytime, anywhere. Be assured that I always treat people with compassion, kindness and love just like the father receives the wayward child in the gospel.

Also Sunday happens to be Mothering Sunday, let us take a moment to thank God in prayer for our mothers, those with us and those who have gone to God. Remember we also have our heavenly mother, Mary, who is always ready to help her children.

Please be assured of my prayers for you and your intentions. 

With my sincere best wishes for the week ahead.

Fr Chris