Gospel of John, chapter 3:16

The fourth Sunday of Lent is called Laetare Sunday. Laetare is a Latin word that means rejoice. Thus we are called today to give pause during this solemn, penitential season of Lent, and rejoice in God’s favor to us.

God’s favor, as today’s scripture points out, is evident in that “He gave us His only Son” so that we “might not perish but might have eternal life.” (John 3:16) True love, as St. John also points out elsewhere, consists in the incredible love of God who sent His Son for our redemption (1 John 4:10). The world never has known and never will know love like this!! This is the love that has come down from heaven.

What is love? Philosophers, poets, novelists, artists, musicians have all written and spoken about love. But, no one has ever exemplified love like Jesus. He is love incarnate; He is the living personification of the love of God on earth. God is love, and He has shown His love for us by sending us His only Son so that we might walk in the joy of His love.

The Lord wants us to experience the joy of His Love all the time. There is a wonderful story in the Gospel of Luke where Jesus was visiting His friends; Lazarus, Martha and Mary. Martha was so busy preparing the meal that she criticized Mary for not helping her. Mary, however, was enjoying the Lord’s presence, and Jesus let Martha know that Mary had chosen the better part (Luke 10:42). There is a time and place for everything, and Mary enjoyed spending ’quality time’ with the Lord. This is the better part we need to think about today as we prepare for Easter; we need to appreciate the importance of seeing God in all His works, in nature and in people; and to make time to enjoy His presence all around us.

We easily forget to enjoy the presence of the Lord who came on earth to redeem us. He comes to us in so many beautiful ways: in the healing words of scripture; in the sacraments; in the simple things of life such as a meal; in the rising and setting of the sun; in giving a helping hand to someone in need; in visiting a friend; giving bread to the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, giving clothes and shelter to the naked, and offering freedom to the oppressed.

As you prepare for Easter, you might be busy with many things, but don’t forget the Lord in all your preparations. You should not be so busy as to fail to enjoy His presence in all things; in the ordinary experiences of every day.

Let us approach each new day during Lent as an occasion to enjoy the omnipresence of the Lord.

Fr. Hugh Duffy