The Fourth Sunday of Lent

The Fourth Sunday of Lent – March 11, 2018

2 Chronicles 36: 14-16, 19-23 Ps. 137:1-6 Ephesians 2:4-10 John 3: 14-21

 

Download

 

Today we hear a brief review from the perspective of the Chronicler of the entire history of Israel which begins with Adam and concludes with the declarations of Cyrus the Persian.

 

Through the ages, the priests and leadership often failed to be faithful to G-d and the people followed them. Prophets and messengers were sent to call them back to a G-d who showed compassion and mercy over and over. These voices were often met with mockery and hatred. Some were even killed for bringing this message. Because of the blindness of the Israelites, other rulers dominated them and they lost their homeland, their temple, their lives. In the end those remaining were taken captive to Babylon until finally released to return home some 70 years later by Cyrus the Persian. Ps. 137 reflects the loss and pain they experienced in this dark time caused by their lack of faithfulness. “By the streams of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion.” It took Cyrus to listen to the prophet Jeremiah and offer the people another chance in their own land. This hope and their return ends the final chapter of “the TaNak,” the Hebrew Bible.

 

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians continues the theme of calling the people to remember the mercy of G-d and to live now in the light by the grace and kindness of Christ Jesus. From the beginning we witness a G-d who has always yearned to be in a loving relationship with each person created. How quick we are to forget this. We are daily reminded in our liturgy to “REMEMBER”…a very Jewish plea.

 

The Gospel of John is explicit in connecting G-d’s Ahavah love for creation and each one of us. From the beginning of creation there has been a movement toward light, truth, goodness. Jesus the Christ is the Light of G-d, the Word made flesh. The connections throughout religious history reflect this love and Jesus becomes human to live our reality and to lead us to a more intimate knowledge of how precious we are to our Creator. Too often we lose our way and choose darkness over light. We are often blinded by false images of “light” – power, money, fame, etc. None of this leads to true peace, freedom of spirit or love that is constant and lasting.

 

So today we are reminded again that no matter the sin, we are continually called to “come back to G-d with all our heart”. We are never forgotten. G-d walks with us through whatever darkness we may face. Each day provides a new beginning for us to be the “face of G-d” to a world so in need of mercy and love. No matter where we live in this world, we are bombarded by the pain and misery of sisters and brothers around us. We are also all connected to one another in many ways. The recent Olympics in South Korea were a great example of the possibility of unity in diversity and appreciation of gifts.

 

We witnessed spectacular moments of LIGHT, HOPE, CREATIVITY and SKILL. Young and old from many nations mingled together in joy and gratitude. If only we could continue this Spirit “ back home.”

 

For reflection: Where do you find prophetic voices around you? Do you take seriously your call to be a prophet by your Baptism? With what is happening here in the USA, I think of the passage from Isaiah 11: 6 ~ And a little child shall lead them. Are the young our prophetic voices today?

 

This week’s teaching commentary was prepared by

Mary Louise Chesley-Cora, MAT in Religious Studies

Hockessin DE USA

Bat Kol Alumna 2001

Email: chezcor@msn.com

[Copyright © 2018]

…………………………………………………………………

PLEASE NOTE: The weekly Gospel commentaries represent the research and creative thought of their authors, and are meant to stimulate deeper thinking about the meaning of the Sunday Scriptures. While they draw upon the study methods and sources employed by the Bat Kol Institute, the views and conclusions expressed in these commentaries are solely those of their authors, and do not necessarily represent the views of Bat Kol. Questions, comments and feedback are always welcome.

………………………………………………………………

 ~~1983-2018~~

Bat Kol Institute for Jewish Studies, Jerusalem

“Christians Studying the Bible within its Jewish milieu, using Jewish Sources.”

Website: www.batkol.info gill@batkol.info

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *