Reflection on the 4th Sunday in Lent

Reflecting on John 3:14-21

Today there are two choices for the Sunday readings at Mass. My Sisters and I have been reflecting on the first choice of Gospel, the story of Nicodemus coming to Jesus under cover of darkness, not to trick Him, as some would, but because he was seeking the truth and wanted to hear more from Jesus. Still, Nicodemus was fearful of the judgment of his peers, and did not want to be known as one who took Jesus seriously. Thus, the cover of night.

It’s interesting to note, though we won’t hear this until the Good Friday reading of the Passion at the three o’clock Liturgy, that Nicodemus was there on Calvary when Jesus died and assisted in His burial, helping to prepare His Body with myrrh and spices as was the custom for the observant Jews as they laid a loved one to rest. By Good Friday the human respect that caused Nicodemus to visit Jesus without anyone knowing it in today’s Gospel, was overpowered by his respect, and possibly his love for Jesus. Some conversions happen in a sacred moment; others take time—God’s good time. Nicodemus of the Gospel reminds us not to give up on those we love who seem indifferent or even hostile to Jesus. His grace works in the shadow of darkness just as surely as in the brilliant light of day. If you are praying for someone’s conversion, keep on trusting that the beauty of the Face of Christ will be imprinted on that person’s soul in a way that only God can bring about. Even in the moment of death, God can become the Refuge for a soul which has long known of its need for Him, even though human respect, uncertainty or some other situation may have long prevented the soul from making a decision for Jesus during life. I suggest that if you are feeling helpless, hopeless about the return of an adult child or a friend to the Church, you might consider praying to Nicodemus for him or her. He was seeking, but at first didn’t have the courage to follow his conscience, until (at least according to the Scriptures) he looked upon the dying Jesus and saw there the last proof he needed of His divinity and became not only His follower, but His support in the final act of love for Jesus in His death. Our prayer and the Merciful love of God can bring about a marvelous conversion—among ourselves, first, and in one who has been resisting the divine invitation for long years.

For the sake of the sorrowful passion of Jesus, have mercy on ____and on the whole world.

Have a blessed Fourth Week of Lent.