Words of Wisdom from Sunday's Homily

The practice of sacrificial penitence has long been a custom of the Christian tradition. The idea was to give up something in one's life, in order to make a donation or contribution for the welfare of others in the community. Additionally, using your time to pray and study scripture, rather than eating.

This Sunday observance of Laetare, gave people a break from the typical penitential order of worship as well, which is why we also call this day Rose Sunday. Throughout the UK it was called "Mothering Sunday" and noted the same breaks in Lenten practice along with the practice of returning to the "Mother Church" from which your congregation may have derived.

Here at Good Shepherd, we are the "Mother Church" for all of the Episcopal Churches in southwest Louisiana. So, it is a special day for us in both ways. We observe that be the change of colors to the Rose vestments, the use of flowers on the altar for this one Sunday in Lent, and parishioners are free to celebrate a day of joy and hope, partaking in those things which you may have been abstaining.

The main focus of today's service is hope and joyful expectation. We are reminded that God's promises have been fulfilled and his love always abounds.