There will be times of sadness in the life of every Christian.  Some will be caused by the difficulties the church and its individual members face.  Nonetheless, we will have a source and basis for joy in who our God is and what he does.  Laetare (lie-tar-e) – “rejoice” – the Fourth Sunday in Lent, focuses our attention on that truth with the words of Isaiah, “Rejoice with Jerusalem (that is, the church) and be glad for her, all you who love her.”  Even in our times of sorrow, our God remains our strength, our song, our salvation.   It is in him that we gather today and rejoice.