Jesus points out that just as we pay attention to the changes in nature, we can also observe the changes in our hearts in order to be ready for the moment when our life on earth will end.
The disciples encounter the empty tomb and realize that Christ has been raised from the dead, inviting us to embrace the overwhelming joy of the Good News by offering our lives for the glory of God.
Like the grain of wheat that falls to the ground and dies in order to bring forth new life, we die to sin and grow in grace to bring forth a spiritual, lifegiving harvest in our souls.
Let’s explore some of the themes in the Mass readings for the 4th Sunday of Lent.
1st Reading – 2nd Chronicles 36:14-16,19-23
Despite the Lord’s repeated attempts to bring them back, the people of Israel added infidelity to infidelity and were beyond remedy.
Finally, the Lord allowed their enemies to destroy the temple in Jerusalem and deport them to Babylon, where they will be in captivity for seventy years.
Psalm – 137:1-6
“Let my tongue be silenced, if I ever forget you!”
Recalling the sorrow of the Babylon captivity, the Psalmist remembers Jerusalem.
2nd Reading – Ephesians 2:4-10
God’s mercy brought us to life, even when we were dead in our transgressions.
For by grace we have been saved through faith, a gift from God.
Gospel – John 3:14-21
Jesus speaks to Nicodemus and says the famous words, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.”
Offering a parable to the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus speaks about his suffering and rejection, showing us the path that leads from the Cross into newness of life.
St. Paul proclaims that “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord,” inspiring us to embrace God’s precious gift of salvation.
Jesus raises a dead man to life and restores him to his mother. May our faith in the Lord sustain us in our moments of grief as we prepare for the day when we walk through the doorway of death, that we might hear the Lord say, “I tell you, arise!”
The Letter to the Colossians offers a succinct summary of our life in Jesus Christ, who frees us from our sins through his death. Our task? Remain firm in faith and embrace the hope of the Gospel!
Responding to the Sadducees, Jesus offers insight into the reality of the resurrection, inspiring us to consider how we might live today in preparation for the eternal life to come.
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