Laetere Sunday

Today was the day of rose-colored vestments, indicating that Lent is halfway over. Two weeks from today is Palm Sunday; three weeks is Easter.

The pink vestments replace the purple ones -- the color of penitence -- because this is the Sunday when the Mass readings turn from their solemn focus on our brokenness and instead give us a sense of joyful hope: the readings are as warm and consoling as a fleece blanket wrapped around the shoulders. The best is yet to come, they say. It won't always be like this.

This is an exciting year for my family, these days leading up to Easter Vigil. This will be our five year anniversary of being received into the Catholic Church, the best five years of my life.

That's why, on this day, we are more joyful than usual.