Monday of the Fourth Week

Reflection

Yesterday, Laetare Sunday brought a moment of hope and optimism to our Lenten reflections.  Our readings for today might be a continuation of that sense with repeated references to things good replacing things not good—perhaps a common thread across selections from Isaiah, Psalm 30, and John’s Gospel.

Isaiah begins that thread speaking of the Lord’s assurance of moving

From what was before to a new earth and a new heaven

From things of the past to a new creation with rejoicing and happiness

From what had been to a joyous new Jerusalem and a new people of delight

Away from weeping and crying

Away from lives cut short to full lifetimes (beyond 100!)

To new secure houses and healthy new vineyards

And Psalm 30 continues praising the Lord’s generosity in

Granting freedom from our enemies

Delivery from the nether world and separation from the condemned

Rejoicing at dawn when there was weeping at nightfall

And wondrous transformation from mourning into dancing

Then John’s Gospel concludes our day describing

Christ’s welcome upon His return to Cana in Galilee following His dishonor in Samaria

The royal official moving beyond relying on signs and wonders to his belief in the words of Jesus

And, his son’s miraculous recovery from deadly fever to assured life

Taken together, today’s readings echo the hope and reassurance proclaimed during our Mass on Christmas Eve “The people who walked in darkness have seen a Great Light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone.  You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing.”  (Isaiah 9:1-6)  Our readings are reminders that optimism can triumph over pessimism; joy over despair; healing and restoration over dejection and division.  We are encouraged to take comfort in knowing today’s worries and troubles can be overcome, and each new dawn followed by another new dawn is our blessed assurance.  As the psalmist reminds us, we shall dance again.

Prayer

You, Lord, are both guide and companion throughout our journeys — along high level ground as well as through briars and mires. Help us to not be discouraged.  Our roads have frequent branches, help us to choose the paths that lead us to the new dawn, the Great Light You have promised.

Church Hindes, ’69, Member of the Worshipping Community

Scripture

First Reading: Isaiah 65:17-21
Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-12a, 13b
Gospel: John 4:43-54

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website