4th Sunday of Lent Year A
‘Wake up from your sleep and Christ will shine on you!’
O God, who through your Word
reconcile the human race to yourself in a wonderful way,
grant, we pray, that with prompt devotion and eager faith
the Christian people may hasten toward
the solemn celebrations to come.
If you are a Catholic and cannot go to Mass as there are no public Masses, you may like to make an act of 'Spiritual Communion' and say these words.
My Jesus,
I believe that you are present in this Holy Sacrament of the altar.
I love you above all things
and I passionately desire to receive you into my soul.
Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally,
come spiritually into my soul
so that I may unite myself wholly to you now and forever.
Amen.
You can also pray with the Sunday readings using our reflections, by downloading the PDF.
Each year, Laetare (‘Rejoice’) Sunday gives encouragement to all those travelling the Lenten road to Holy Week and Easter.
Today’s readings affirm that I do not make this journey alone. I am offered a helping hand by the Lord who is my shepherd and guide (Psalm). By leading me on the right path in goodness, he is being true to his name. I want for nothing. Though I may have been walking in darkness, even sometimes feeling as if I am trapped in the valley of the shadow of death, I am now exposed to the light of the Lord.
And the Lord, looking with love at my heart rather than at external appearances (First Reading), illuminates me, turning me into light (Second Reading).
Jesus curing the man born blind is a well-known piece of scripture (Gospel). Perhaps I am like the one without sight who can suddenly see. And finding myself looking at the Son of Man, I can come to believe and to trust in him even more deeply.
Reason, indeed, to rejoice today!
