Monday of the 4th Week of Lent

• First Reading – Isaiah 65:17-21: The promise of a new heaven and earth, where the past will be forgotten, and there will be rejoicing and happiness in everything created. The new Jerusalem will bring joy to God, and its people will no longer experience sorrow or early death, but will live long and prosperous lives, enjoying the fruits of their labor.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 30: My heart overflows with thanks to the Lord for rescuing me from despair, transforming my sorrow into joy. His favor restores me, proving His love endures beyond the night’s tears, promising joy at dawn.
• Gospel – John 4:43-54: Jesus left Samaria for Galilee, where he was welcomed by the people who had seen his miracles during the feast in Jerusalem. In Cana, a royal official’s son was ill, and after Jesus assured him that his son would live, the father believed and his whole household came to believe, making it the second sign that Jesus performed in Galilee after coming from Judea.

Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe.

John 4:48

On Monday of the 4th Week of Lent, the readings focus on God’s promise of new life and the power of faith. They invite us to trust in His plan and to believe in His healing and saving power.

• God Creates New Beginnings: The first reading speaks of God creating a new heavens and a new earth. This reminds us that God brings renewal and hope to our lives, even when things seem broken.
• Joy in God’s Promise: God promises a future filled with joy and peace. His plans bring comfort, reminding us to trust Him when life is hard.
• Faith Brings Healing: The Gospel shows the power of faith in Jesus. The royal official’s trust in Jesus’ word leads to his son’s healing, showing that faith connects us to God’s work.
• Trust Without Seeing: Jesus praises those who believe without needing proof. This challenges us to trust in God’s promises, even when we do not see results right away.
• God’s Power in the Unexpected: The readings remind us that God works in unexpected ways. The royal official experienced a miracle simply by trusting Jesus’ word.
• God’s Faithfulness Is Unchanging: Both readings show that God is always faithful. His promises and care for us do not depend on our circumstances.

Monday of the 4th Week of Lent calls us to embrace God’s promises and trust in His faithfulness. The readings remind us to walk in faith, knowing that God is with us and brings hope to all who trust in Him.

Monday of the 4th Week of Lent reminds us to trust in God’s promises and His faithfulness. The readings speak of hope, faith, and God’s power to renew and heal. Through these reflections, we are invited to deepen our faith and rely on God’s plan, even when we cannot see the outcome.

A Promise of Renewal

The first reading for Monday of the 4th Week of Lent speaks of God creating a new heavens and a new earth. This promise shows us that God has the power to renew and restore what is broken. He brings hope to His people, assuring them that their future will be filled with joy and peace.

In our own lives, we may feel burdened by struggles or discouraged by what seems impossible to fix. God’s promise reminds us that He can make all things new. Even when we cannot see it, He is working to bring renewal and hope to our situations.

Monday of the 4th Week of Lent invites us to trust in God’s ability to restore what is broken in our lives. Just as He promises His people a new heavens and a new earth, He calls us to trust in His power to bring new beginnings. We can find peace in knowing that God always works for our good.

Trusting God’s Unexpected Ways

The Gospel for Monday of the 4th Week of Lent shows how God works in unexpected ways. The royal official believed Jesus when He said his son would live, even though there was no immediate proof. This trust led to a miracle, showing that God’s power often works in ways we cannot predict.

We may also face moments where God asks us to trust Him without understanding how things will work out. Like the royal official, we are called to rely on His word and have faith in His promises. This can be hard, but faith helps us see that God’s ways are always good, even if they are different from what we expect.

Monday of the 4th Week of Lent reminds us that God does not always act in the way we imagine. He calls us to trust Him, even when we do not fully understand His plan. Faith in His unexpected ways opens the door to His blessings.

The Power of Faith

Both readings for Monday of the 4th Week of Lent highlight the importance of faith. In the first reading, God calls His people to trust in His promise of a new heavens and a new earth. In the Gospel, the royal official believes in Jesus’ word, and his faith leads to his son’s healing.

Faith is not always easy, especially when we cannot see the results right away. Yet, God asks us to trust Him and to believe in His promises. The royal official’s example reminds us that faith often requires us to act before we see how everything will turn out.

Monday of the 4th Week of Lent teaches that faith connects us to God’s blessings and work in our lives. Whether it is the hope of renewal or the trust in a miracle, faith helps us rely on God. This Lent, we are invited to grow in faith and to trust Him more each day.

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As we reflect on Monday of the 4th Week of Lent, we are reminded to trust in God’s word and His ways. Whether through the promise of renewal or the call to deeper faith, we can find strength and peace in following Him. Let these reflections guide us closer to God’s love.

Prayer

Lord, help me to trust in Your promises and to believe in Your power to renew and heal. Strengthen my faith and guide me to follow You, even when I do not understand Your ways. Teach me to rely on Your word and to grow closer to You each day. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can I trust in God’s promises more fully in my daily life?
• What situations in my life feel broken, and how can I bring them to God for renewal?
• Do I rely on visible results before trusting God, or can I believe in His word alone?
• How can the example of the royal official strengthen my faith in prayer and action?

Word on Fire: God’s Energy

On Monday of the 4th Week of Lent, Bishop Robert Barron reflects on Jesus as the ultimate healer in the Gospel, where Jesus heals a royal official’s son. He emphasizes that Jesus embodies God’s intention to heal and restore a suffering world.

Through Jesus, we witness God’s energy and purpose to rectify what is wrong, offering a glimpse of a future without suffering or sorrow. Bishop Barron highlights Jesus’ proactive love and humility, as He seeks out those in need, not waiting for them but coming to them, a mission that continues in the Church today.

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

The next date is Monday March 31, 2025.

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

The Mass readings for Monday March 31, 2025 are:
First Reading – Isaiah 65:17-21: God’s Promise of a New Creation and a Renewed Earth
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 30: Joy After Suffering
Gospel – John 4:43-54: The Royal Official’s Son 

Why does God promise a new heavens and a new earth?

God promises a new heavens and a new earth to give His people hope. He shows that He can bring renewal and joy, even in the hardest times.

What does it mean that God’s people will rejoice forever?

This means God’s blessings will bring lasting joy and peace. It reminds us that trusting in God leads to a future filled with happiness that does not end.

Why did the royal official trust Jesus in the Gospel?

The royal official believed Jesus’ word and trusted Him without needing proof. This shows the importance of faith, even when we cannot see the results immediately.

How can we apply God’s promise of renewal to our lives?

We can trust that God brings new beginnings, no matter how broken things may feel. His promise of renewal reminds us to keep hoping and trusting in His plan.

What can we learn from Jesus saying to believe without seeing?

This teaches us to have confidence in God’s word and His plans. It shows that true faith does not always need visible signs to believe.

What does the healing of the royal official’s son teach us?

It teaches that faith in Jesus can lead to great blessings and answers to prayers. Trusting Him brings healing and hope, even in difficult situations.

How can the readings inspire us to have more faith?

The readings encourage us to trust God’s promises and believe in His power to bring healing and hope. They remind us to have faith in Him, even when things seem uncertain.

What do the readings show about God’s faithfulness?

They show that God is always faithful to His promises. He cares for His people and works for their good, even when they cannot see it right away.

How can the Gospel encourage us to pray with trust?

The royal official’s example shows us that prayer with trust in Jesus is powerful. Believing in God’s care and timing can strengthen our faith as we wait for answers.

What does Monday of the 4th Week of Lent teach about hope?

It teaches that God’s promises bring hope for the future. Trusting Him leads to joy, renewal, and peace, no matter what challenges we face.