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.

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

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.

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.

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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?

Word on Fire: Blaming One

In Bishop Robert Barron’s reflection for Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent, he discusses the plot to kill Jesus as an example of René Girard’s scapegoating theory, where society unites by blaming an individual for its conflicts. Caiaphas’s decision to sacrifice Jesus for the nation’s peace aligns with this theory.

However, Jesus’ resurrection overturns this logic, showing God’s alignment not with scapegoaters but with the scapegoated. This reveals God’s desire for a society based on forgiveness, love, and solidarity with victims, challenging the foundations of communities built on violence.

What date is Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent?

The next date is Saturday April 12, 2025.

What are the Mass readings for Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent?

The Mass readings for Saturday April 12, 2025 are:
First Reading – Ezekiel 37:21-28: The Promise of Restoration and Renewal for Israel
Responsorial Psalm – Jeremiah 31: The Lord, Our Shepherd and Protector
Gospel – John 11:45-56: The Plot to Kill Jesus Intensifies

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.