Being light in the darkness
This Sunday marks a change in the Lenten focus. We are no longer so absorbed by our own limitations and weaknesses in faith. We are more confident of God’s kindness, forgiveness
and healing without which we would never dare embark on this journey. We look forward to the Easter celebrations with joy and hope.
On our journey from temptation to transfiguration we are becoming, through faith in Christ, the living presence of God in the world, the light in the darkness.
The first reading today speaks about the re-building of the temple in Jerusalem – a reference back to
last Sunday’s Gospel. For the ancient Jews the re- building of their temple was a moment filled with hope and expectation.
Last Sunday Jesus promised the building of a new temple to house the living presence of God and to be the meeting place between God and us.
Our Lenten journey is rebuilding us into the living Body of Christ, into dwelling places for God and meeting places between human beings and God.
This is clearly seen when human needs meet God’s compassion through us. That’s when God’s love and light shine in the darkness of human lives.
Today’s Gospel contains a number of important statements of our faith: God loved the world so much that he sent his Son, not to condemn, but to save; the Son must be lifted up (crucified and resurrected) so that all who believe might have eternal life; those who do the truth come out into the light, so that it may be plainly seen that their good deeds are done in God.
The Gospel reassures us of God’s love and our salvation in Christ, and calls us to be the Light, to do the truth of God’s love by being God’s heart in the world.
- pdf Celebrating At Home - Fourth Sunday of Lent [PDF] (245 KB)
- default Celebrating At Home - Fourth Sunday of Lent [ePub] (775 KB)
- pdf Celebrando en Familia - 4 Domingo Tiempo de Cuaresma (232 KB)
- pdf Celebrando in Casa - 4 Domenica di Quaresima (228 KB)
- pdf Celebrando em Familia - 4 Domingo da Quaresma [Português] (233 KB)
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Celebrating at Home is a Liturgy of the Word centred around the Gospel reading for each Sunday. It includes a reflection on the Gospel and prayers.
It can be used personally or with your family. Parts for all to pray are given in bold print and all the other parts can be shared among those present.
We hope that Celebrating at Home will be a source of nourishment and strength for all who use it.
In the room you decide to use for this prayer you could have a lighted candle, a crucifix and the Bible. These symbols help keep us mindful of the sacredness of our time of prayer and can help us feel connected with our local worshipping communities.
