Fourth Sunday of Lent

Year of Saint Joseph

Laetare Sunday: Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful all who were in mourning; exult and be satisfied at her consoling breast.

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 35:12-18

Mass: 2 Chron 36:14-16, 19-23; Resp Ps 137; Eph 2:4-10; Jn 3:14-21 or 1 Sm 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a; Resp Ps 23; Eph 5:8-14; Jn 9:1-41

I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life.

HEART OF JESUS, FOUNTAIN OF LIFE AND HOLINESS,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Once again, we are blessed with plenty of readings to reflect upon during this Lenten season, now in its Fourth Week. On this Laetare Sunday, let us "rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!" (Ph 4:4). 

Among other things, here are a few. The Lord encourages us through Saint Paul to live as children of light, for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth (Eph 5:8-9). At the same time, it may be helpful to remember the Lord's words to Samuel: Not as man sees does God sees, because man sees the appearance but the Lord looks into the heart (1 Sm 16:7). 

When asked about the wickedness in the world, Saint Peter of Alcantara (1499-1562) said this:

The remedy is simple. You and I must first be what we ought to be; then we will have cured what concerns ourselves. Let each one do the same, and all will be well. The trouble is that we all talk about reforming others without ever reforming ourselves.

(Quoted in Magnificat, "Saint Who?", March 2021, p. 182)

"Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light." 

(Eph 5:14)

We pray for those preparing to the enter the Church this Easter who receive the Second Scrutiny today: "that God will free them from the false values that can blind us" (Magnificat, Prayer of the Faithful, March 14, 2021). May God free us all from false values that blind us from receiving His light. 

SAINT JOSEPH, 

PRAY FOR US.

© Gertrude Feick 2021