Loading...
Loading...
Click here if you don’t see subscription options
Jaime L. WatersFebruary 18, 2021
Photo by Jaanus Jagomägi on Unsplash

This year has been tumultuous already, and we are just in the first quarter. The events of the past few months, unfortunately, have revealed that many people are happy living in darkness, devoid of truth, love and justice. Today’s Gospel calls us to embrace truth.

‘For everyone who does wicked things hates the light.’ (Jn 3:19)

Liturgical day
FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT (B)
Readings
2 Chr 36:14-23; Ps 137; Eph 2:4-10; Jn 3:14-21
Prayer

What can you do to promote truth in your community?

How do you discern truth from falsehoods?

How do you maintain hope during tumultuous times?

In a passage unique to John’s Gospel, today we hear of an encounter between Jesus and the pharisee Nicodemus. The two discuss faith, miracles, the power of the Spirit and Jesus’ significance. Notably, Jesus explains that his incarnation is a sign of divine love, and faith in him leads to everlasting life: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” This important declaration links the feasts of Christmas and Easter.

The Third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete (“rejoice”) Sunday, and today, the Fourth Sunday of Lent, is Laetare (“rejoice”) Sunday. As in Advent, in the middle of Lent, we are reminded to rejoice in the incarnation and the passion, death and resurrection of Christ, as these acts reveal God’s love.

Yet on this Sunday of joy, the Gospel also exposes us to the sad realities of both the ancient and modern world. Many people simply refuse to accept truth, preferring darkness over light as a place in which to do evil. John often uses light and darkness to represent those who accept and reject Jesus. The light motif first appears when John introduces Jesus as the light that shines through darkness (Jn 1:4-5, 9). When Jesus informs Nicodemus of his role in the world, he also acknowledges the ignorance and wickedness in its midst. Not only do people in darkness reject Jesus; they loathe truth.

We have witnessed what happens when power is given to people who are averse to truth. Distorted realities and corruption persist, not only in government but in the minds and hearts of loyal followers. As we try to recover from years of lies and their effects, we must all come to grips with reality. Acts of hate and continued division are dark and evil, and people who truly want to embrace the light of Christ must also embrace truth.

 

The latest from america

September 24, 2023, Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time: In the parable of the laborers in the vineyard, Matthew complicates the idea of fairness in the workplace and in the kingdom of heaven.
Victor Cancino, S.J.September 20, 2023
September 17, 2023, Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Our readings this Sunday help us to pray about our own scale of forgiveness. We are asked to move past our limitations and these poetic lines help us to memorize the lesson.
Victor Cancino, S.J.September 13, 2023
September 10, 2023, Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time: This Sunday’s readings highlight the role of the church’s public voice as it speaks to maintain internal cohesion. 
Victor Cancino, S.J.September 06, 2023
September 3, 2023, Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time: In Scripture, a vocation to serve God is rarely a smooth path forward. Today’s readings reflect the frustrations that sometimes come with answering God’s call.
Victor Cancino, S.J.August 30, 2023