Reflections on the readings for the Fourth Sunday of Lent (March 11, 2018): 2 CHR 36:14-16,19-23, PS 137:1-2,3,4-5,6, EPH 2:4-10, JN 3:14-21
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
Now, halfway through Lent, we pause to reflect in wonder on the joy that God wants us to experience during this season of penance. As we get closer to Holy Week, we become more mindful of His suffering and death and the ultimate sacrifice He made to unchain us from sin and release us from death. Today we are called to look beyond that to the Resurrection of our Savior. We are called to rejoice on this Laetare Sunday in God’s plan for our wellbeing now and always. “God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love He had for us, even when we were dead in our transgression, brought us to life with Christ.… For we are His handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance that we should live in them” (Ephesians 2:4-5, 10).
Let us take the opportunity to return God’s love for us by serving our brothers and sisters. Let us express gratitude to our Lord for His desire that we follow Him by doing good for those near and dear to us and for all, especially those in greatest need our loving help.Suggested missionary action: On this Laetare Sunday, let us express our thanks to God for His love for us by opening ourselves to His grace and will. Let us also show our gratitude by reaching out to assist our neighbors.