Bulletin Shorts for the Fourth Sunday of Lent

Fourth Sunday of Lent – 27 March 2022

Year A readings:  

1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a.  Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6.  Ephesians 5:8-14.  John 9:1-41.

Reflecting on Seeing.  Since Jesus is the light of the world (look to the Easter candle), there is no room for darkness in this Reign of God.  The healing of the man blind from birth clearly illustrates this for, while sightless, he does as he is told and has insight into God’s activity in life.  He “sees” even before he sees.

• What darkness is in need of Christ’s light?
• What will I do, at Jesus’ request, to see and live the Christian life more clearly?
• How will my lenten activity give light and insight to the elect preparing for Baptism-Confirmation-Eucharist this Easter?

Year C readings:  

Joshua 5:9a, 10-12.  Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7.  2 Corinthians 5:17-21.  Luke 15:1-3, 11-32.

Reflecting on a Spendthrift Father.  We know this story by heart.  A greedy son, an extravagant father, a big party, and an indignant second son.  The first son comes to his senses.  The father never loses his senses.  The second son, after grumbling, remains a mystery.

• How do I, like the first son, come to my senses about God’s perpetual love and care for me?
• How is God, like the spendthrift father, extravagant with me?
• How will I be generous to others? Works of Mercy may be a place to start.

Use this prayer card to be ever mindful of the Works of Mercy.

This post was first published on the worship pages of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois website.
Sunday Prayer Shaping Life and Belief
Written by Eliot Kapitan.

Permission is given to use, reprint, and distribute these bulletin shorts in any way you find helpful for your community.

Image credit: Photo by Dakota Roos on Unsplash.

• Bulletin Shorts for Thanksgiving Day
• Bulletin Shorts for the Thirty-Fourth or Last Sunday in Ordinary Time
• Bulletin Shorts for the Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
• Bulletin Shorts for the Feast of The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
• Bulletin Shorts for the Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time