Friday of the 4th Week of Lent
Friday March 20, 2026
Daily Mass Readings for Friday of the 4th Week of Lent
- First Reading – Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22: The wicked conspire against the just man, resenting his righteousness and devotion to God. They challenge his integrity and relationship with God through suffering and seek his demise, blind to the divine wisdom and the ultimate vindication that awaits the faithful.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 34: The Lord listens to the righteous and combats evil, offering solace to the brokenhearted. He delivers from hardship, ensuring the safety of those who trust in His protection.
- Gospel – John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30: Jesus avoided traveling to Judea because the Jews wanted to kill him, but he went to the feast of Tabernacles in secret. Despite speaking openly, the authorities did not arrest him, leading some to question if he was the Christ, but when they tried to arrest him, they were unable to do so because his time had not yet come.
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Yet I did not come on my own, but the one who sent me, whom you do not know, is true. I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.
John 7:28-29
Themes for the Readings for Friday of the 4th Week of Lent
The readings for Friday of the 4th Week of Lent highlight themes of rejection, righteousness, and the mystery of God’s plan. They challenge us to stand firm in faith when facing opposition and to trust God’s wisdom even when we do not fully understand His ways.
- Rejection of the righteous: The first reading speaks of the wicked plotting against the righteous because of their goodness. This reminds us that living faithfully to God’s ways may lead to rejection or opposition from the world.
- God’s protection and justice: The wicked believe they can harm the righteous without consequence, but God sees all. This reminds us that God is just and that He defends those who trust in Him.
- Opposition to Jesus: The Gospel shows people questioning and rejecting Jesus because they do not understand His mission. This reminds us to stay open to God’s truth and to trust Jesus even when others doubt or oppose Him.
- Misunderstanding God’s plan: Both readings reveal how people fail to see the purpose behind God’s actions. This challenges us to trust in God’s wisdom, even when we do not understand His ways.
- Faith in the face of doubt: Jesus continues His mission despite the questions and opposition He faces. This encourages us to remain faithful to God, even when others question or criticize our beliefs.
- God’s hidden wisdom: The first reading reminds us that God’s plans often go beyond human understanding. This calls us to trust Him and to seek His guidance through prayer and faith.
Friday of the 4th Week of Lent encourages us to remain faithful and trust God’s plan, even when we face rejection or doubt. The readings remind us that God’s wisdom is greater than our understanding and that He is always with those who follow Him.
Reflection for Friday of the 4th Week of Lent
The readings for Friday of the 4th Week of Lent remind us of the challenges of trusting in God’s plan and standing firm in faith. The first reading shows how the righteous face misunderstanding and opposition, while the Gospel highlights the rejection Jesus encounters in His mission. These reflections encourage us to trust God’s wisdom and stay faithful even in difficult times.
God’s Plans Are Beyond Us
The first reading for Friday of the 4th Week of Lent reminds us that God’s plans are often beyond our understanding. The wicked fail to see the purpose behind the suffering of the righteous or the justice of God. They think they can act without consequence, but the reading shows that God’s wisdom and justice are greater than human plans.
This calls us to trust in God’s wisdom, even when His plans are unclear. When we face struggles or uncertainty, it can be hard to see what God is doing. The reading reminds us to have faith that God’s plans are good and that He is in control.
We can reflect on how we approach times of doubt or confusion in our lives. Do we try to rely only on our own understanding, or do we turn to God for guidance? Trusting Him means seeking His will through prayer and staying faithful even when the path is hard to see.
Rejection of Jesus and His Mission
The Gospel for Friday of the 4th Week of Lent shows Jesus being questioned and rejected by people who do not understand His mission. They doubt His authority and try to fit Him into their own expectations. Because they cannot see the full picture, they fail to recognize Him as the one sent by God.
This reminds us that misunderstanding can lead to rejection, both in the time of Jesus and in our own lives. People often reject what they do not understand, but Jesus shows us the importance of staying true to God’s call. His courage in facing opposition inspires us to remain faithful even when others doubt us.
We can reflect on how we respond when faced with doubt or criticism. Do we let it discourage us, or do we stay focused on following Jesus? The Gospel calls us to trust in Him and to stay open to the truth, even when it is difficult.
Standing Firm in Faith
Both readings for Friday of the 4th Week of Lent remind us to stand firm in faith. The first reading shows the righteous facing attacks from the wicked, while the Gospel shows Jesus continuing His mission despite opposition. In both cases, trust in God gives the strength to persevere.
Standing firm in faith does not mean that challenges will disappear. It means trusting that God is with us and that His justice and truth will prevail. Like the righteous in the first reading and Jesus in the Gospel, we are called to stay faithful even when the world doubts or opposes us.
We can reflect on our own faithfulness during difficult times. Are there moments when fear or doubt has made it hard to trust God? These readings remind us that God is always present, and He gives us the courage to remain strong in faith.
Friday of the 4th Week of Lent calls us to reflect on our faith and our response to challenges. Whether facing doubt, rejection, or confusion, God invites us to trust in His care and guidance. May we grow in courage and faith as we follow His path.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for being with us in times of challenge and doubt. Help us to trust in Your plan and remain faithful to Your word. Give us courage to follow You and strength to face opposition with love and truth. Guide us in all we do. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How does the first reading encourage you to trust in God’s wisdom and justice?
- What can you learn from Jesus’ response to rejection and misunderstanding in the Gospel?
- Are there times when doubt or fear makes it hard to stay faithful? How can you turn to God in those moments?
- How can you remain strong in faith when others question or oppose your beliefs?
Homilies and Commentaries for Friday of the 4th Week of Lent
Has the Hour Come?
In this reflection for Friday of the 4th Week of Lent, Fr. Don Goergen reflects on Jesus avoiding Judea because people were trying to kill him. Still, Jesus speaks openly in the temple. The people try to arrest him, but his hour had not yet come. Fr. Don notes that this theme of “the hour” runs through John’s Gospel and invites us to think about our own moments of decision, suffering, and hope.
He connects this to the uncertainty in our world and our personal lives. We do not know what the future will bring, but we are called to face it with faith and courage. Just as Jesus moved forward with trust in God, we are asked to do what we can, even without knowing the outcome. Lent prepares us to face the cross and to trust in the resurrection that follows. We wait for the hour, trusting that God will bring new life.
Pray to See Your Sins
Friday of the 4th Week of Lent reminds us how sin can blind us and keep us from seeing God’s truth. We may fall into pride, envy, or other sins without even realizing it. These patterns form from weakness, habit, or misunderstanding of the Church’s teachings. Sin separates us from God and hurts our hearts. But God’s grace can open our eyes.
Dr. Theresa Notare encourages us to pray daily for God to show us our sins. She shares how this simple prayer has helped her recognize hidden faults gently, through God’s love. She also suggests a spiritual plan: regular prayer, reading scripture, receiving the sacraments, learning the faith, and practicing virtue. Most of all, she says to ask God for a humble heart. A humble person can see clearly and is open to growth. This path brings us closer to God and to others.
Let’s Keep This Private
The reading for Friday of the 4th Week of Lent shows Jesus going to the Feast of the Tabernacles not publicly, but in private. He wanted to avoid attention at first. This small detail invites us to think about our own need for quiet and personal experiences. Even Jesus, who drew crowds wherever he went, sought out time away from others. It reminds us that private moments have value and can lead to clarity or renewal.
Matthew Kelly reflects on how we often need space in our lives too. Life is busy and noisy. Sometimes, we just need time alone with God or by ourselves. This reading invites us to ask what kind of private moment we might be needing right now. It could be a walk, a quiet prayer, or simply some time away from the pressure of everyday life. Moments like these can help us grow and stay connected to what matters most.
More Than a Teacher
Bishop Robert Barron reminds us that Jesus is not just another wise teacher or spiritual guide. Some try to place him alongside other figures like the Buddha, but the Gospels make a much greater claim. Jesus speaks and acts with the full authority of God. He is not simply pointing the way—he is the way.
On Friday of the 4th Week of Lent, Bishop Barron highlights Jesus’ clear statement of his divine origin. Jesus says he was sent by the Father and knows him directly. This shows that our response to Jesus is not just about agreeing with his teachings, but about believing in who he truly is—God made flesh.
Feeling Inadequate
The USCCB video reflection for Friday of the 4th Week of Lent focuses on understanding and knowing Jesus beyond superficial judgments. It draws parallels between the mob’s hostility towards Jesus, fueled by offense at his teachings and jealousy of his perfection, to contemporary reactions towards those who embody qualities we admire yet feel inadequate beside.
This reflection emphasizes the dangers of jealousy, hearsay, and rumors leading to false accusations and harm. It underscores Lent as a time for change, inviting us to turn to God for forgiveness, remove barriers to love, and deepen our appreciation for Christ’s sacrifice, highlighting God’s readiness to transform our lives.
Questions and Answers for Friday of the 4th Week of Lent
What are the Mass readings for Friday of the 4th Week of Lent?
First Reading – Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22: The Plot Against the Righteous One
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 34: The Lord’s Care for the Brokenhearted and Righteous
Gospel – John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30: Jesus’ Secret Journey to the Feast of Tabernacles
Why do the wicked plot against the righteous in the first reading for Friday of the 4th Week of Lent?
The wicked feel threatened by the righteous because their goodness reminds them of their own wrongdoings. This shows how living faithfully can provoke opposition from those who reject God’s ways.
What does the first reading say about God’s justice?
The wicked believe they can act without consequences, but God sees their actions. This reminds us that God’s justice will prevail, even if it is not immediate.
What does the first reading teach about God’s plan?
The first reading highlights how people often fail to understand God’s ways. This calls us to trust in His wisdom, even when His plans are not clear to us.
Why do people question Jesus in the Gospel for Friday of the 4th Week of Lent?
The people in the Gospel struggle to understand Jesus’ mission and authority. This shows how doubt and misunderstanding can lead to rejection of God’s work.
How does Jesus respond to opposition?
Jesus continues His mission even when faced with doubt and rejection. This teaches us to remain faithful and trust God when we face challenges in our faith.
How can we apply the message of the Gospel to our lives?
The Gospel encourages us to stand firm in faith, even when others question or doubt us. It reminds us to stay focused on following Jesus.
Why is trust important in these readings?
Both readings show that faith requires trusting in God’s wisdom and justice. Trusting God helps us stay strong in the face of doubt or opposition.
What does Friday of the 4th Week of Lent teach about faith in difficult times?
The readings show that being faithful to God can lead to rejection, but God is always with us. They encourage us to trust Him and continue to follow His path.
How can we stay strong when facing criticism for our faith?
We can stay strong by praying for courage, trusting in God’s plan, and remembering that He is with us. The example of Jesus shows us how to remain faithful despite opposition.
What is the main message of Friday of the 4th Week of Lent?
The main message is to trust in God’s wisdom and justice, even when faced with challenges or rejection. Faithfulness to God brings hope and strength.
Trusting God Through Rejection
Friday of the 4th Week of Lent highlights the challenges of being faithful to God. The first reading shows how the wicked plot against the righteous because their goodness makes them feel uncomfortable. They mock the idea of God’s care and justice, but the reading reminds us that God sees everything and defends those who trust Him.
In the Gospel, Jesus faces doubt and rejection from those around Him. People question His mission and struggle to understand who He is. Despite this, Jesus continues His work with faith and courage, trusting in the Father’s plan.
These readings encourage us to stay strong in faith when we face opposition or misunderstanding. They remind us to trust in God’s wisdom and justice, even when it feels difficult. Faithfulness to God requires courage, but He is always with us to guide and protect us.
Your Turn
Friday of the 4th Week of Lent calls us to trust God when facing rejection or doubt. Reflect on how these readings speak to your life. Have you experienced challenges because of your faith? How do you stay strong in those moments?
Take time to think about your response to God’s call and share your thoughts in the comment section. Your experience can encourage others.
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