Hymns for the 4th Sunday of Lent, Year C (31 March 2019)

A selection of hymns and song suggestions based on themes from the Roman Catholic lectionary for the forth Sunday of Lent, Year C.

Most are free-to-use (ie public domain or copyright-free), meaning the words can be copied and sung to at least one tune with no concerns about copyright or performance licensing. Many such hymns are raditional - but where possible a variety of styles / genres are included.

Seasonal note

The fourth Sunday in Lent is commonly known as Laetare Sunday.   The word "laetare" means rejoice in Latin, and this idea is taken from the entrance-antiphon for the Mass, which starts "Rejoice, O Jerusalem...".   Falling roughly at the half-way point in the Lenten season, this is a Sunday when traditional Lenten austerity is relaxed, and we have a reminder of the joyous resurrection to come.   The day's liturgical colour is rose, instead of the usual purple of the Lenten season.

The Year A readings may be used today, especially if  a pre-baptismal / RCIA scrutiny is being held.

This is also Mother's Day in some countries.

Readings

First: Joshua 5: 9-12 - The Isralites kept the Passover when they entered the Promised Land.

Psalm: Psalm 33 - Taste and see that the Lord is good  / I will bless the Lord at all times / Glorify the Lord with me / Look towards him and be radiant.

Second: II Corinthians 5: 17-21 - For anyone in Christ, there is a new creation ... God through Christ reconciled the world to himself.

Gospel: Luke 15: 1-3, 11-32 - Parable of the prodigal son.

Themes

Welcoming sinners - reconciliation through Christ - faithfulness

Free-use artworks

See lectionary art for this Sunday for suggested pictures and art-works based on today's readings.

Free-use hymns