Lenten reflection, fourth Sunday

Scripture readings for today: 2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23; Psalm 137; Ephesians 2:4-10; John 3:14-21

Not long ago on the radio I heard a sermon from a very nice televangelist brother. I could not find anything in it that was contrary to the Catholic faith, but I also didn’t hear anything that would make me change my life.

But in today’s Gospel, John 3:14-21, I do. John compares Jesus’ death on the cross with the bronze snake that was elevated on a pole in the desert. Speaking to those who had sinned, Moses told them to look at the raised serpent and said that the gaze of faith would save them from the poisonous snakebites they had suffered.

Jesus died high on the cross and paid for the sins of all who look on Him with faith. The one who covers his eyes, who will not repent, will be deprived of the light of Christ and will remain in the darkness.

Those who come to the light and repent of their deeds done in the dark, whatever they were, will receive healing and forgiveness. Their sins are buried.

The commitment is clear: Jesus loves you, like every other human being, and He is waiting to greet you with open arms.

What could be better this Lent than making a sacramental confession? And how sad is the alternative: to remain in darkness and depart from the loving arms of Jesus.

Father Ruskin Piedra, C.Ss.R.
Brooklyn, N.Y.

Download our 2015 Daily Lenten Devotions booklet here.