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.

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

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.

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.

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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?

Word on Fire: More Than Another Teacher

Bishop Robert Barron emphasizes the crucial theme of Jesus’ divinity in the Gospel for Friday of the 4th Week of Lent. He critiques the trend of minimizing Jesus to merely a spiritual teacher, as seen in popular works like Eckhart Tolle’s “The Power of Now.”

Bishop Barron argues that such views fall short of capturing the full essence of Jesus as presented in the Gospels. These texts, while acknowledging Jesus as a teacher, underscore his unique and divine identity and mission. The Gospel passage highlights Jesus’ explicit declaration of his divine origin and mission, affirming his profound relationship with the Father.

What date is Friday of the 4th Week of Lent?

The next date is Friday April 4, 2025.

What are the Mass readings for Friday of the 4th Week of Lent?

The Mass readings for Friday April 4, 2025 are:
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.