Lenten Retreat, Day 23: Rejoice
We begin with the sign of the cross, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Examine your conscience. (Take a few minutes. In silence, remember and feel sorry for your sins, and think of ways you will amend your life.)
Pray the Act of Contrition.
The fourth Sunday in Lent is called Laetare Sunday, which means “Rejoice Sunday”. We rejoice every Sunday for the joy we find in the Eucharist. Christ gave Himself for us, for our salvation. We rejoice on every Sunday of the year. Laetare Sunday in Lent and the Gaudete Sunday in Advent specifically calls us to rejoice during the seasons of penance, because we look at the resurrection, that Jesus Christ has won for us.
Lent calls us for repentance and penance, but the ultimate goal of the season of Lent is to rejoice in being forgiven, rejoice in being saved, rejoice in being reconciled with God. Joy is the indicator of our faith in Jesus Christ. Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice (Philippians 4:4). Joy is the sign of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in our life because joy is the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, be joyful always, in all circumstances.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end, Amen.
To receive abundance of graces during this retreat, you can choose to do any of the following daily:
Attend the Holy Mass daily.
Pray the Rosary.
Pray the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy.
Pray and meditate on the Way of the Cross.
Pray at least 15 minutes in front of the Blessed Sacrament.
Read the bible and mediate on scripture for at least 15 minutes.
Pray the Litany of Humility.
Invite others to join this retreat, as a family or as a group.