Fourth Sunday of Lent

Reflection

Darkness and Light seem to be a theme in today’s Old Testament reading. Darkness with mocking messengers and the destruction of buildings and land, including Jerusalem, and bringing captives to Babylon. Light when one person hears God’s message after “ the land lies waste and rests for 70 years” and all are welcome back in Jerusalem to heal and rebuild. Yet we know the struggles and darkness continue over and over again as each generation struggles to find the Light, the Goodness of God in the world and in their lives. However, we continue to read, hear and witness God’s willingness to express love and kindness.

Light, with the birth of Jesus gives each of us and our world opportunity to put darkness aside and live in the spirit of God’s good works and generosity. This is God’s gift to us, not anything we have to earn but rather given opportunity to build a spirit of love and generosity all around us. We are saved by God’s grace and invited to share goodness and light with all people, with all Creation and Earth itself. As we give God thanks for all this opportunity to live by the example of Jesus the Christ, may we truly do just that. Might this be the moment, this season of Lent, that the Spirit of Jesus truly transforms our thoughts and actions for the good of all. Wonder what I am willing to change and will change!

Prayer

Generous God, may my belief in you and acceptance of all you share with me each day, guide me to respond to each moment in the way Jesus lived life. May I have the wisdom to remember that God is kind and merciful and God’s love is always present. Amen.

Sr. Lindora Cabral, RSM

Scripture

First Reading: 2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23

Psalm 137:1-6

Second Reading: Ephesians 2:4-10

Gospel: John 3:14-21

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website