Dear Readers and Listeners, Friends in Jesus Christ,
Our watchword for the week following the fourth Sunday of Lent, Laetare Sunday, is taken from the traditional gospel reading for today, John 12 verse 24, “I assure you: Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone. But if it dies, it produces many others and yields a rich harvest,” (Amplified Bible). Jesus was referring to his own death that would bring forth new life, to the world and her people. Christ, God’s Heavenly Bread, became the Bread of Life, the wheat that fell to the ground and through his blood paid the remission of all the guilt of the world. This Sunday is called Laetare Sunday, taken from the Introit of the Day from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, Chapter 66 verse 10, “Rejoice with Jerusalem, be glad with her,” and in Latin it reads, “Laetare Jerusalem!” In some Christian traditions this Sunday is also called “Refreshment Sunday,” where we pause for a short while during the Lenten Season, breaking the fast and celebrating the yield and harvest of the Work of Christ, on the Cross for us. Typically, there would be readings regarding the Miraculous Feeding, and afterwards, people would share Simnel cakes, a type of toasted fruit cake with marzipan. In some traditions this Sunday is called “The Little Resurrection Sunday,” as we celebrate the breaking of the little blade of grass through the dark soil, thinking of the coming of Easter Sunday. Traditionally, because of the joyous nature of this day, the altar could be dressed in pink, and the vestments and flowers could also exhibit this joyous colour. We can see the parallels between the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday, “Rejoice in the Lord,” and the Fourth Sunday of Lent, for joy will follow after the sad mourning.
Our watchword for today is taken from the Book of the Prophet Amos, Chapter 8 verses 11 to 12, “The time is surely coming, says the Lord God, when I will send a famine on the land; not a famine of bread, or a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord. They shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the Lord, but they shall not find it,” (NRSVB). History tells us that there was a period of prophetic silence for nearly four hundred years in the lands of Israel and Judah, and then the prophet John the Baptist and the Messiah, Jesus Christ were born. We read that the devout Anna and Simeon were amongst the many Jews who were waiting and praying for the coming of the Messiah, for the times in Israel were oppressive times. They were ruled by the Romans, oppressed by client-kings and subjected to many foreign religious influences and philosophies. John the Baptist came and called the people to repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand. Many heard the word and their thirst and hunger were stilled as they believed, however, many chose to remain in their spiritual drought.
Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it,” Luke Chapter 11 verse 28, (NRSVB). People came from near and far to hear Jesus talk to them and explain the word of God. They were amazed at his teaching, for he taught them in love. He spoke with such authority and clarity that he broke open the Word of God, like bread, and fed them spiritual food that nourished them to withstand the doubts and fears of life. They saw his signs and they believed that Jesus was the prophet, however, those who were most learned in the Scriptures, the Scribes and the Pharisees, failed to see the Messiah right before their very eyes. Jesus came to earth to bring light and clarify the scripture to those who were hungry and thirsty for the presence of the Lord and his righteousness. When Jesus came he fulfilled scripture with his words and deeds, he is the wheat that died and brought through death, new life to generation after generation.
Break now the bread of life, dear Lord to me, my spirit waits for you, O living Word, Amen.