Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent (Year A)
Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22Psalm 34:17-18, 19-20, 21 and 23John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 The Just One Under Pressure (Wisdom 2) The Book of Wisdom describes “the just one” who becomes a target simply because he lives with integrity. His goodness exposes the selfishness of others, and instead of being inspired, they feel threatened. So they plot against him. It’s a striking preview of Jesus. And it’s also a mirror for anyone who has ever tried to do the right thing and found that not everyone applauds. The Lord Is Close to the Brokenhearted (Psalm 34) The psalm reassures us that God is near—not when life is easy, but when the heart feels bruised, misunderstood, or worn down.“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.”Not distant. Not indifferent. Close. Jesus Walks Into Hostility (John 7) In the Gospel, Jesus moves quietly because people are seeking to kill him. Yet when the moment comes, he walks into the Temple and speaks openly. He doesn’t run away. He doesn’t hide. He trusts the Father’s timing. His courage isn’t loud or dramatic. It’s steady.It’s the courage of someone who knows he is loved. Connecting It All to Lent Lent is the season when we walk with Jesus into the places that feel uncomfortable—our weaknesses, our fears, our patterns of sin, our relationships that need healing. And sometimes, like my friend with the golden retriever, we feel chased by things we’d rather avoid. But the readings remind us: Lent isn’t about proving our strength.It’s about discovering God’s nearness.
Friday of the Third Week of Lent – Year A
Hosea 14:2-10 • Psalm 81:6c-8a, 8bc-9, 10-11ab, 14 and 17 • Mark 12:28-34 Today’s readings sound like a gentle tug on the heart. Not a scolding. Not a lecture. A tug.A pull back toward the God who never stops wanting us. 1. “Return to the Lord your God…” — Hosea’s Tender Call Hosea speaks to a people who have wandered far. They’ve made mistakes, chased false securities, and forgotten who they are.And God’s response is astonishing: “I will heal their defection… I will love them freely.” Not “I’ll think about it.”Not “Prove yourself first.”Just: Come home. I’m ready to heal you. Lent is exactly this invitation.It’s not a season of guilt; it’s a season of return. Think of someone you love who drifted away—maybe a friend who stopped calling, or a child who pulled back. When they finally reach out, your heart softens. You don’t want explanations; you want connection.That’s God’s heart today. 2. “If only my people would hear me…” — The Psalm’s Longing Psalm 81 almost sounds like God sighing. We live in a world full of noise—notifications, opinions, endless tasks.Sometimes we don’t reject God; we just don’t hear Him. Lent invites us to turn down the volume. A parishioner once told me that the most transformative part of her Lent wasn’t giving up chocolate—it was turning off her phone for the first ten minutes of the morning.“God finally had space to speak,” she said. 3. “Which commandment is the greatest?” — Jesus Brings It All Together In the Gospel, a scribe asks Jesus a sincere question.And Jesus gives a sincere answer: Love God with everything.Love your neighbor.Love yourself. This is the whole spiritual life in three movements. And notice: Jesus doesn’t separate them.You can’t love God and mistreat people.You can’t love others while despising yourself.You can’t love yourself while ignoring God. Love is one fabric, woven in three directions. Real-life examples of this love: These small acts are not insignificant.They are the daily ways we live the Great Commandment. 4. Lent: A Season of Reordered Love Lent is not about proving our holiness.It’s about clearing away what blocks love. Maybe it’s resentment.Maybe it’s distraction.Maybe it’s fear.Maybe it’s the belief that God is disappointed in us. But Hosea tells us the truth:God is not disappointed. God is waiting. And Jesus tells us the path:Love—simple, honest, wholehearted love. 5. A Final Word At the end of the Gospel, Jesus tells the scribe,“You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” Not far.Just one step of love away. Maybe that’s where we are today—not far from healing,not far from peace,not far from God. Lent is the season to take that step. Reflection Questions