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.”
The Lord’s cleansing of the sellers and money changers in the temple area invites us to consider what steps we need to take to cleanse the temple of our hearts.
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.
This is the third part of a six-week series about how we gently and lovingly share our faith with others. In this presentation Fr. Andrew speaks about how we nourish rich and thriving relationships with the people in our lives.
Having taught his disciples about his crucifixion in Jerusalem, the Lord takes a teachable moment to show how their humble service becomes a life-giving offering.
Three Great Things 