Don’t know if you are awake that early, but have you seen the sunrise recently, and the beauty of the rose-colored dawn? They say this time of year, it’s rose so we can get a glimpse of the joy we are preparing for at Easter.
The fourth Sunday in Lent, Laetare Sunday derives its Latin name from the first word of the Introit (Entrance chant) text, "Laetare Jerusalem" (Rejoice, Jerusalem). It is a day to rejoice, a day of joy within the penitential season of Lent. We have arrived almost at the mid-point of Lent. So the fasting can take a break this day, and to indicate this, the priests wear rose-colored vestments instead of purple, there can be a prelude and a postlude at the Mass and the altar is decorated with flowers.
The reason for such display of joy is explained in a sermon by Pope Innocent III in 1216: On this Sunday, which marks the middle of Lent, a measure of consoling relaxation is provided, so that the faithful may not break down under the severe strain of Lenten fast but may continue to bear the restrictions with a refreshed and easier heart.
There are multiple reasons why the Fourth Sunday of Lent is cause for joy, the most important of which is the proximity to Easter. On Ash Wednesday, Easter was a long way off, six and a half weeks, but today, Easter is only three weeks away, and as the greatest of all Christian feasts draws ever nearer, our joy increases. Joy is also present because the penitential practices like fasting, abstinence, and self-denial, is more than half over.
In many Catholic churches flowers are the most commonly used decorations in the sanctuary. Around the year 1000 AD flower arranging arrived in Europe and was particularly popular in churches and monasteries. As crusaders came back from the Middle East, they brought with them new and interesting plants.
Flowers and garland can be found surrounding the altar at Mass, or in front of statues, the baptismal font and other prominent works of art.
There are liturgical regulations concerning flowers in Church, “Floral decoration should always show moderation and be arranged around the altar rather than on the altar table.” Additionally, “During Advent the floral decoration of the altar should be marked by a moderation suited to the character of this time of year, without expressing in anticipation the full joy of the Nativity of the Lord. During Lent it is forbidden for the altar to be decorated with flowers. Exceptions, however, are Laetare Sunday (Fourth Sunday of Lent), Solemnities, and Feasts.” (General Instruction Roman Missal)
Flowers are meant to express joy, and is why they are restricted during the penitential seasons of Advent and Lent.
A Franciscan monk Francis Borgia, wrote: “God has left us from Paradise three things: the stars, the flowers and the eyes of a child.” In fact, flowers have in God’s creation a place entirely their own; they are on the globe of the earth what the stars are in the canopy of heaven — flowers are the least affected by the curse of sin. In the splendor of their colors, in their fragrance, they are revelations of the beauty and goodness of God, emblems of His benevolence, images of His first, true designs.
Flowers also remind us of the spiritual life and the virtues we should acquire within our hearts. Flowers also used to symbolize the virtues, innocence and holiness, and some saints are symbolized by a flower, St Therese the Little Flower.
Tulips, are symbolic of the resurrection because they are from bulbs, and return every year. Passion Flowers – Originally called “Espina de Cristo” by the Jesuit missionaries who brought it to Spain from South America, this flower represents Christ’s suffering and sacrifice. Whiteroses and lilies are used to stand for purity. Red roses stand for love or as a sign of Christ’s blood. The petals of the rose can symbolize the five wounds of Christ from the crucifixion.
The next time you see flowers in Church, let it raise your mind and heart to God as you enter into the beauty and sweet aroma of holiness.