Lent: 40 Days of Renewal

Today is Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent. In today's first reading, Is, 49:8-15 I found a phrase captivating my attention, “Sing out, O heavens, and rejoice…. For the LORD comforts his people and shows mercy to his afflicted.” Lent is a time to forget, reconcile, and repent for our sins, but at the same time, it is a gift from our Father, who in his immense love and mercy, offers us another opportunity and calls us to renew our faith and love for His only begotten son. We have a confirmation in today’s Responsorial Psalm, 145:8-9 “The Lord is gracious and merciful.” Let us take the opportunity of Lent to realign our priorities, reconcile with God and with others, and live with a sense of purpose. 

Today’s Gospel Jn 5:17-30 illustrates Jesus' divine authority and offers lessons for our spiritual journey during the Lent season. “Amen, amen, I say to you, the hour is coming and is now here when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.” This proclamation calls us to examine in depth our faith and why we trust in Christ as the source of eternal life. John 5:17-30 invites us to journey deeper into the heart of God during this Lenten season, challenging us to embrace the transformative power of faith and live with a sense of urgency, modesty,  and humility in response to God's call. As we meditate on these truths, we are called, at the same time, to experience renewal, restoration, and resurrection in Christ, the fountain of eternal life.

Let us pray together for one another this Lent:

For your personal or family reflection:  

1. In what ways does Jesus' promise of eternal life and judgment shape my Lenten journey and the decisions during this sacred time?
2. How can I allow the truths in John 5:17-30 to guide my Lenten observance,  to deepen my faith, repentance, and transformation imitating Jesus Christ?

Author: Yanexi Perez, Language Department