Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent
Saturday March 28, 2026
Daily Mass Readings for Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent
- First Reading – Ezekiel 37:21-28: The Lord GOD promises to gather the children of Israel from all the nations and bring them back to their land, where they will become one nation under one ruler. The Lord also promises to purify them from their transgressions, make a covenant of peace with them, and establish his sanctuary among them forever.
- Responsorial Psalm – Jeremiah 31: God will protect and gather his people like a shepherd watching over his flock. The Lord rescues his people and turns their sorrow into happiness.
- Gospel – John 11:45-56: Many Jews begin to believe in Jesus after witnessing his miraculous deeds, but the chief priests and Pharisees fear his growing popularity and plot to kill him, leading Jesus to retreat to a town called Ephraim.
Upcoming dates: March 28, 2026, March 20, 2027, April 8, 2028, March 24, 2029, April 13, 2030, April 5, 2031, March 20, 2032, April 9, 2033
He did not say this on his own, but since he was high priest for that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not only for the nation, but also to gather into one the dispersed children of God.
John 11:51-52
Themes for the Readings for Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent
Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent focuses on God’s promises of unity, salvation, and the gathering of his people. The readings reveal God’s plan to restore his people and the role of Jesus in bringing all together through his sacrifice.
- God’s Promise to Gather: In the first reading, God promises to gather his scattered people and make them one. This reminds us of God’s care for all his people and his desire to unite them in his love.
- Unity Through Faith: God’s plan is to create one people with one shepherd. This points to Jesus, who brings unity to those who believe in him and follow his word.
- Jesus’ Sacrificial Mission: In the Gospel, Jesus’ role as the one who dies for the people is clear. His sacrifice shows the depth of his love and his mission to save and unite God’s children.
- God’s Covenant of Peace: The first reading speaks of God’s everlasting covenant of peace with his people. This reminds us of the peace and hope that come through faith in God’s promises.
- The Struggle to Accept Jesus: The Gospel shows how some people struggled to understand and accept Jesus’ mission. This highlights the challenge of faith when faced with fear or misunderstanding.
- God’s Plan for Salvation: Both readings show that God’s plan includes all people, calling them to come together through faith in him. Jesus is central to this plan, bringing new life and unity.
- The Gathering of Nations: God’s promise to gather his people extends beyond Israel to all nations. This shows that God’s love and salvation are for everyone who turns to him.
Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent reminds us of God’s plan to bring peace and unity to his people. The readings invite us to trust in Jesus’ mission and to embrace the hope of being one in God’s care.
Reflection for Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent
Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent invites us to reflect on God’s promise to unite his people, the challenge of faith, and Jesus’ mission to bring salvation. The readings remind us of God’s care for all his people and his plan to bring peace and unity through Jesus. They also show the difficulties people face in trusting God’s plan and letting go of fear.
God’s Promise to Gather His People
In the first reading for Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent, God promises to gather his scattered people and make them one. He speaks of uniting them under one shepherd, creating a nation that lives in peace and follows his word. This promise shows God’s care for his people and his plan to bring them together in love.
When people are divided, it can lead to fear and misunderstanding. God’s promise to gather his people reminds us that unity is part of his plan for all of us. He wants us to live as one family, caring for each other and trusting in his guidance.
Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent invites us to reflect on how God calls us to unity. By following Jesus, the one shepherd, we take part in God’s plan to bring peace and love to the world. This unity shows us that we are never alone and that God’s care reaches everyone.
The Challenge of Faith
The Gospel for Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent shows how some people struggled to understand Jesus’ mission. They feared what his growing influence might mean and doubted his words. Their reaction shows how fear and misunderstanding can make it hard to accept faith.
Faith often asks us to trust in something we cannot fully see or understand. The people in the Gospel hesitated because Jesus’ mission challenged their expectations and ways of thinking. This reminds us that faith is not always easy, especially when it requires us to let go of fear and open our hearts.
Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent challenges us to consider how we respond to Jesus’ message. Are there times when fear or doubt hold us back from trusting him fully? The Gospel invites us to let go of those fears and grow in faith, trusting that Jesus leads us to what is good.
Jesus’ Sacrificial Mission
Both the first reading and the Gospel for Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent highlight Jesus’ role in God’s plan to save and unite his people. In the Gospel, it is clear that Jesus will give his life for the people, gathering them as one. His mission is rooted in love and obedience to the Father.
Jesus’ sacrifice is not just for one group but for all who believe in him. He fulfills God’s promise in the first reading to gather his people from all nations. His mission shows us that God’s love extends to everyone and that faith in Jesus leads us to unity and peace.
Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent calls us to reflect on Jesus’ role as the shepherd who unites us. His sacrifice is a reminder of how much he loves and cares for us. By trusting in him and following his example, we become part of God’s plan to bring peace and hope to the world.
The reflections for Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent encourage us to trust in God’s promises and respond to Jesus’ call with faith. By embracing unity, overcoming doubt, and following Jesus, we take part in God’s plan to bring peace to the world. May these reflections inspire us to grow in faith and live as one family in Christ.
Prayer
Lord, you have promised to gather us and make us one. Help us to trust in your plan and follow Jesus, our shepherd. Take away our fear and doubt, and guide us to live in peace and love. May we share your hope with everyone we meet. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How does God’s promise to gather his people give you hope?
- What fears or misunderstandings make it hard for you to trust in Jesus’ mission?
- How can you help bring unity and peace to those around you?
- What does Jesus’ sacrifice mean for your faith and your life?
Homilies and Commentaries for Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent
The Criticism Test
In the gospel for Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent, the Pharisees refuse to look at the good works of Jesus. They are not interested in His miracles or His message. They reject the idea of judging a tree by its fruit. This invites us to reflect on how we view others. When we are critical, is it of the person themselves or the fruit of their life? It is easy to focus on flaws and ignore the good someone does.
Matthew Kelly shares how public criticism often targets the person, not their work. He reminds us not to fall into that same pattern. We are challenged to look at the actual fruit of someone’s life. If it is good, we should be open to learning. If it is lacking, we can still offer grace and pray for them. The message of Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent is a reminder to judge wisely and with compassion.
God Gathers His People
The readings for Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent remind us of God’s promise to bring his people together. The prophet Ezekiel speaks of a time when God will unite the divided kingdoms of Israel and make them one. In the gospel, we hear that Jesus will gather all God’s children into one people. This is the heart of the covenant—God will be our God, and we will be his people. This covenant now reaches all nations, not just one group.
Deacon Bernard Nojadera invites us to prepare for Holy Week by asking if we are ready to live our part of the covenant. Have we let go of sin? Have we become a place of peace for others? He reminds us that we, the people of God, are now the living temple. Church is not just a building—it is us. May we reflect God’s presence and carry his spirit in our daily lives.
You Are My People
In this reflection for Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent, Sr. Louis Mary Passeri shares God’s promise from the book of Ezekiel: “You shall be my people, and I will be your God.” God speaks of healing, unity, and an everlasting covenant of peace. God’s desire is for a deep relationship with us, where we live in love and trust, not fear or division.
Sr. Louis Mary shares a story of a boy invited into a loving home as a picture of God’s invitation to us. God wants to bring us out of hurt and into joy, not just as individuals but as a united people. This love is not limited to one group—it is for all. We belong to God, and God longs for us to say yes in return. Lent is a time to remember this gift and to respond with love, gratitude, and a desire to live in God’s ways.
God Stands with the Victim
In the Gospel for Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent, the leaders plot to kill Jesus because he raised Lazarus. Caiaphas says it is better for one man to die than for the nation to perish. This thinking fits the pattern of scapegoating, where a group blames one person to resolve tension or conflict.
But the Resurrection turns this logic upside down. Jesus, the innocent victim, is not crushed by death. Instead, he is raised. This shows that God does not support violence or scapegoating. God sides with the victim, not the crowd. The kingdom of God is not built on blame or fear but on mercy, love, and healing.
The Promise of God
This USCCB video reflection for Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent focuses on God’s role as a shepherd and protector. It emphasizes the promise of unity and guidance, as God gathers His people, undoing divisions and leading them justly. The readings reflect on God’s shepherding through the psalm and Jesus’s fulfillment of this role, despite opposition from Jewish authorities fearing Roman reprisals, leading to a plot against Jesus.
This situation underscores the importance of embracing Jesus’s message of new life, despite misunderstandings or suffering. It calls for living the Gospel genuinely and seeing the cross as a symbol of refuge, healing, and God’s triumph over injustice, inviting trust in Christ’s path through suffering to glory.
Frequently Asked Questions for Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent
Why does God promise to gather his people in the first reading for Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent?
God promises to gather his people because they are scattered and divided. His plan is to bring them together as one nation, united under his care.
What does the one shepherd in the first reading for Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent mean?
The one shepherd represents Jesus, who unites all people through his mission. This shows God’s plan to bring peace and guidance to those who follow him.
How does God’s promise of peace in the first reading for Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent apply to us?
God’s promise of peace reminds us that he offers hope and care to those who trust him. This peace comes through faith in his promises and in Jesus’ mission.
What does the gathering of nations in the first reading for Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent teach us?
The gathering of nations shows that God’s love is for everyone, not just one group. It reminds us to see all people as part of God’s family.
Why do the leaders in the Gospel for Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent worry about Jesus?
The leaders are afraid that Jesus’ growing influence will cause unrest and bring trouble. Their fear blinds them to his mission and message of unity and salvation.
What does Jesus’ death mean in the Gospel for Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent?
Jesus’ death is described as being for the people, bringing them together as one. His sacrifice shows his role in God’s plan to save and unite all people.
Why do some people struggle to accept Jesus in the Gospel for Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent?
Some people struggle because they fear change or do not understand Jesus’ mission. Their doubt shows the challenge of faith when it calls for trust and belief in something new.
How can the readings for Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent help us in our lives?
The readings encourage us to trust in God’s plan for unity and peace. They remind us to follow Jesus, who brings hope and new life to all who believe.
What is the main message of Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent?
The readings show that God’s plan is to unite his people through Jesus. They call us to trust in his promises and live as part of his family.
God’s Plan to Unite His People
Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent highlights God’s promise to bring his people together as one. In the first reading, God speaks through Ezekiel, promising to gather the scattered people and unite them under one shepherd. This shows God’s care for his people and his desire to create peace and unity among them.
The Gospel focuses on Jesus and his role in God’s plan. Jesus’ sacrifice is for the people, to bring them together and lead them to salvation. Some struggle to understand or accept his mission, but Jesus remains faithful to what he has been sent to do.
Both readings show the connection between God’s promise to gather his people and Jesus’ role in fulfilling that promise. Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent reminds us to trust in God’s plan and to find hope in the unity and peace he offers.
Your Turn
Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent encourages us to reflect on God’s promise to bring his people together. How does God’s call for unity inspire your faith? How does Jesus’ sacrifice give you hope?
Spend some time reflecting on the readings and share your thoughts in the comments. Your insights can help others grow in trust and faith.
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