Laetare Sunday March 22, 2020

Today we celebrate Laetare Sunday, named for the first word in the
opening antiphon: “Rejoice.” Lent can seem burdensome with its emphasis on penitence and sacrifice. But today we look with anticipation
to its end in the Easter miracle. Jesus’ resurrection is the light at the
end of the tunnel. Let us give thanks for the light he gives to our lives. The intellectual laziness of the Pharisees is exposed today. Rather than take
the time to use good judgment, they immediately dismiss Jesus as a sinner. He did not keep the Sabbath! It did not matter that he cured a blind man. It wouldn’t matter if he had conquered death; keeping the law was more important. If nothing else, judging exclusively by the letter of the law made life easier for them. Illuminated by Christ’s light, we are called to make the effort to shine a light on all aspects of a person, event, or issue, so we can make a good and true judgment.
Question
When have I judged someone unkindly without taking the time to look deeper?
What can I do to remember to allow Christ to illuminate my way?