Fourth Sunday of Lent 2024
God’s great love permeates our readings this week. It is the beautiful counterpoint to the ugly sins which we also hear about. Even in the first reading, where we hear of God allowing terrible tragedy after the people’s heartbreaking infidelity, it is the Lord’s love which prompts the captives’ release. The epistle and the gospel expound on this point-counterpoint, explaining how God withholds nothing from us – not even His son – in desiring for us to spend eternity with Him.
Yet, it is possible to reject God’s love. Knowing this, today’s psalm reminds us to keep the heavenly Jerusalem as the focus of our earthly lives. Along with the sacraments, our lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving help with this. These actions prompt us to order our lives according to Christ’s example in a deeper way. When we miss the mark, we should repent like the psalmist suggests.
When our sins cause us to sorrow, we will be comforted by remembering and accepting God’s love. This is the gospel hope which we proclaim through our ministry of Catholic Cemeteries, that a merciful love, surpassing our transgressions, awaits us. As we continue our journey toward the Easter celebration, let us grow in the desire for eternal life with Christ Jesus.
This reflection is based on the Mass readings for Year B. If you attended a liturgy which included the Scrutinies, you will have heard the readings for Year A.
