Fourth Sunday of Lent

Lectionary: 31



Then Jesus said,
“I came into this world for judgment, 
so that those who do not see might see, 
and those who do see might become blind.”



Today is often called "Laetare Sunday," meaning "rejoice!" We are half-way through Lent; our salvation is closer than when we first heard Jesus calling us to "Turn away from sin and believe the Good News."

Our readings today are addressed to a Church which is preparing for the Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation of its new born. Even as we pray with and for them, we pray God will find us worthy to receive new members. 

The standard of our worth is how well we see the light. 

You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.Live as children of light...

In our religion light and the ability to see are metaphors for knowledge and wisdom. Enlightened by the Holy Spirit we should see as God sees and know as God knows. This is precisely why we have been sent to our respective nations, to live in that light and to say what we see clearly. 

• We know the unborn child is made in the image and likeness of God, with dignity and holiness. It should be given every opportunity to live and grow to maturity. 
• We know marriage is a covenant between a man and woman and not subject to divorce. Anyone who considers divorce an option is not married. 
• Marriage is not about friendship; it is deeper than that. 
• Marriage is a narrow gate and few can enter it.  
• Children have a right to know their own parents and live with them in their own home. 
• Children have a right to education, to develop their potential and to prepare for a life of service to others. 
• We know that God is worthy of trust, love and praise. No created thing, not even the self, is worthy of such devotion. 
• The elderly and infirm have a right to our care and concern -- regardless of the cost. 
• We know that people with disabilities are gifts of God and belong among us. 
• We know that God provides for those who believe in Him. 
• We know that every human being has the right to find God through whichever channels the Spirit leads. No one should be coerced into faith.
• We know we are sinners, that treachery is lodged deeply in every human heart. 
• And so forth. Our instincts, guided by the Holy Spirit, keep showing us more and more beautiful, challenging truths about our human nature. 

In a post-modern, post-Christian age when most people don't miss God or mourn his death, we do not expect to be greeted hospitably. Like Jesus in Jerusalem, the very presence of Christians represents a crisis. If we said nothing they would still know we challenge their culture of death. 

Rather, we invite our children, friends, co-workers and neighbors to come to the light and see how beautiful they are in the Eye of God.