4th Sunday of Lent Year B
2 Chronicles 36:14-16.19-23 Ephesians 2:4-10 John 3:14-21
Theme: The Love of God for Humanity
Today is the fourth Sunday of Lent Year B. It is also known as rejoice Sunday. One may be wondering the reason for this joy during the season of Lent. We are rejoicing today in anticipation of the Easter mystery; it is close at hand. The readings we have on this Sunday also give us reasons to rejoice and be happy. This is because in all the readings we have, we see the depth of God’s love for his people, not minding our unfaithfulness and brokenness.
In the first reading, we see the lamentation about the unfaithfulness of the people of God. They were living a life that was not pleasing to God and refused to listen to the prophets sent to them by God for them to retrace their steps and go back to God. Their unfaithfulness and way of life had a consequence. It gave rise to their loss of battle and captivity in Babylon. During this season of Lent, we are also encouraged to listen to the word of God and put them into practice in our daily lives. It is an opportunity for us to work on the different aspects of our lives that need change. It is never too late for us to make that bold step and return to God. He is ever ready to welcome us back like the prodigal son in St. Luke’s gospel (Luke 15:11-32). His mercy and love supersede any sin we may have committed. There is no better time to do it than now.
St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians points out the fact that God loves us so much. This is seen in the mercy and love of God that we always enjoy. He does not turn his back on us when we repent of our sins and return to him. He is ever ready to receive and accept us back. In view of that, we are saved through grace not minding our unfaithfulness. It is this mercy and love of God that brought us redemption. The love and mercy of God endures forever. One of the ways we can appreciate what God is doing for us is by extending this same love and mercy to our brothers and sisters.
The love of God for humanity is also very clear in the gospel reading we have today. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life”. Thus, the coming of the son of God is for the good of humanity to bring us life and not to condemn us. He is the light of the world. Thus, we need to believe in him as the Son of God and the light of the world. We are all invited to align with Jesus who is the light of the world, and whose light dispels darkness. Our lives and actions must reflect the light: that is, Jesus himself.
We pray that God will grant us the grace to show love and mercy wherever we find ourselves. Peace be with you.