Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent
Saturday March 21, 2026
Faith Tested by Division
Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent reminds us that faith is not always simple or easy. In the readings, we see people divided, unsure, and even angry. Some trust God’s plan, while others doubt. Yet in the middle of this tension, God’s truth still stands firm.
Jeremiah faces danger from people who want to harm him, but he does not give up. He turns to God and asks for justice. His story shows what it means to stay faithful even when others reject or attack us. God’s protection is stronger than human plans.
In the Gospel, the crowd cannot agree about who Jesus is. Some believe, and others refuse to listen. Their arguments show how pride and fear can block people from seeing what is true. Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent invites us to look honestly at our own faith and trust that God will lead us through confusion and doubt.
Daily Mass Readings for Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent
- First Reading – Jeremiah 11:18-20: A plea for justice and protection from God. Jeremiah becomes aware of a plot against them but entrusts his cause to God, hoping to see justice done.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 7: I seek refuge in the Lord, asking for deliverance from persecution. In His righteousness, He judges fairly, protects the innocent, and daily administers justice. He is my steadfast sanctuary.
- Gospel – John 7:40-53: Upon hearing Jesus, the crowd was split—some identified him as the Prophet, others as the Messiah, yet doubters cited his Galilean origins against scriptural expectations of the Messiah’s Bethlehem lineage. Temple guards, sent to arrest Jesus, returned captivated by his words, facing ridicule from the Pharisees. Nicodemus’s call for fair judgment was dismissed with scorn, highlighting ignorance of Jesus’s true birthplace.
Does our law condemn a man before it first hears him and finds out what he is doing?
John 7:51
Themes for the Readings for Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent
The readings for Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent reveal themes of trust in God, opposition to truth, and the courage to remain faithful. They highlight how God protects those who trust in Him and how people often respond to truth with confusion or rejection.
- Trust in God’s protection: Jeremiah speaks of trusting God when surrounded by threats. This reminds us that God sees all and will defend those who place their trust in Him.
- Opposition to the righteous: The first reading shows Jeremiah facing persecution for speaking God’s word. This reminds us that being faithful to God can lead to challenges, but we are called to remain steadfast.
- Confusion about Jesus’ identity: In the Gospel, people are divided over who Jesus is. This shows that misunderstanding and doubt can cloud people’s ability to see the truth.
- The courage to speak truth: Jeremiah and Jesus both face opposition but continue their missions. This reminds us to have courage when speaking the truth, even in the face of rejection.
- God as the just judge: Jeremiah calls on God to bring justice for the wrongs he faces. This reminds us to trust in God’s justice and to bring our struggles to Him in prayer.
- Division caused by truth: In the Gospel, people argue about Jesus because His words challenge their assumptions. This shows how truth can create division but also calls people to deeper reflection and faith.
Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent invites us to trust in God’s care and remain faithful to His truth. The readings encourage us to stay strong in the face of opposition and to rely on God’s guidance and justice in all things.
Reflection for Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent
The readings for Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent focus on themes of faithfulness, fairness, and trusting in God’s justice. Jeremiah’s courage in facing persecution and Nicodemus’s call for fair judgment remind us of the challenges and responsibilities of living faithfully. These reflections encourage us to remain steadfast in trusting God and seeking the truth.
Faithfulness in the Face of Persecution
The first reading for Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent shows Jeremiah facing threats from those who reject his message from God. Speaking God’s truth puts him in danger, but Jeremiah does not turn away. Instead, he places his trust in God, who he calls a just judge.
This reminds us that being faithful to God can sometimes bring challenges. Living out our faith may not always be easy, and others might question or oppose our beliefs. Jeremiah’s example encourages us to stay steadfast and rely on God for protection and justice.
We can reflect on how we respond when faith feels difficult. Do we trust God to guide us through challenges, or do we let fear or doubt pull us away? Jeremiah’s story invites us to place our trust in God, knowing that He sees all and is always with us.
Fair Judgment and Openness to Truth
In the Gospel for Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent, Nicodemus speaks up for Jesus, asking that He be given a fair hearing. His words highlight the importance of fair judgment and being open to the truth. Many people had already decided against Jesus without understanding who He truly was.
This challenges us to think about how we form our judgments of others. Do we give people a chance to explain themselves, or do we rely on assumptions and biases? Nicodemus’s example reminds us to listen and seek the truth, even when it may be unpopular or difficult.
We can apply this lesson in our own lives by being careful and fair in how we view others. Are we open to hearing the truth, even when it challenges our expectations? The Gospel invites us to approach others with fairness and humility, seeking understanding instead of judgment.
God’s Justice and Protection
Both readings for Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent show the theme of God’s justice. In the first reading, Jeremiah prays for God to bring justice against those who plot against him. In the Gospel, Jesus faces opposition, but His mission continues because He trusts in the Father’s will.
These examples remind us that God sees everything and that His justice is perfect. When we face difficulties or misunderstandings, we can trust that God will take care of us. He protects and strengthens those who remain faithful to Him.
This theme calls us to bring our struggles to God in prayer and trust in His timing. Are there times when you have felt treated unfairly or misunderstood? These readings encourage us to rely on God’s care and trust that He will bring peace and justice in His way.
Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent invites us to trust in God’s justice and guidance. As we reflect on Jeremiah’s faith and Nicodemus’s courage, we are reminded to approach life with faith, fairness, and openness to truth. May we place our confidence in God’s care and follow Him faithfully.
Prayer
Lord, help us to stay faithful when we face challenges or doubts. Teach us to seek truth and treat others with fairness and love. Strengthen us to trust in Your justice and to rely on Your care each day. Guide us to follow Your will with courage and faith. Amen.
Reflection Questions
How can Jeremiah’s trust in God inspire you to remain faithful during challenges?
What does Nicodemus’s example teach you about fairness and openness to truth?
Are there times when you have judged others unfairly? How can you seek to understand them better?
How do these readings encourage you to trust in God’s justice and protection?
Homilies and Commentaries for Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent
Courage to Witness
Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent reminds us that true witness often comes with a cost. Like the prophet Jeremiah, Jesus, and those in history who stood for justice, we are called to act with courage even when it is hard. We may not always see the results, but God is always working, even when it feels like nothing is changing.
Dr. Marc Delmonico reflects on the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a Christian leader who spoke out against injustice during Nazi Germany. Bonhoeffer reminds us that following Christ means showing love and standing with those who suffer, not just looking on in silence. In the Gospel, Jesus causes division, not because his message is wrong, but because it challenges people to change. Lent is our time to look at how we live and to become braver in showing God’s love in action.
Who Is This?
In this reflection for Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent, Sr. Magdalen Coughlin speaks about the division in the crowd over who Jesus is. Some say he is the prophet or the Messiah, while others doubt because of where he came from. Jesus causes division because he stands for truth, not comfort. He challenges people and refuses to play along with false appearances.
Sr. Magdalen reminds us that Jesus is more than a prophet—he is the Word made flesh. God, who is a mystery, came close to us in Jesus. Though we cannot fully understand God, we know through Jesus that God is love and seeks to be near us. Jesus is the sign of that love. He is God’s deep and personal closeness to the world. In him, God’s mystery becomes a face we can see and a presence we can follow.
Check Your Content Diet
The reading for Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent shows the growing conflict between Jesus and the Pharisees. The Pharisees refuse to listen to Jesus or even meet with Him. Nicodemus speaks up, asking them to be fair, but they dismiss him. One officer says, “No man ever spoke like this man,” pointing to the power of Jesus’ words. That one sentence sets Jesus apart in a world full of noise and opinions.
Matthew Kelly points out that we are surrounded by more words than ever. We read, hear, and speak so much each day. But the words of Jesus are different. They deserve more weight in our lives. The challenge is to not treat Scripture like any other content. We are called to pause and ask if we are letting God’s word shape our actions more than the noise around us. Are we giving Jesus’ words the place they deserve?
The Truth About Sin
Bishop Robert Barron explains that Jesus’ mission divides people because it challenges the belief that everything is fine as it is. Christianity begins with the truth that something is broken in us. We need more than self-improvement—we need salvation. Jesus confronts sin directly, and this makes many uncomfortable.
On Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent, Bishop Barron reminds us that sin is not just an old idea or a problem for others. It is real and present in every heart. The saints are those who have faced this truth and opened themselves to God’s mercy. Christianity only makes sense if we accept that we are in need of saving. Without that, the cross and resurrection lose their meaning.
False Peace
The USCCB video reflection for Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent draws parallels between the social and political turmoil of Jesus’s time and our current era, emphasizing that Jesus, having lived through similar upheavals, understands our struggles. It contrasts the oppressive peace of Rome with the genuine peace Christ brought, highlighting Jesus’s challenges against the established order and the fear of religious authorities towards His message.
The reflection points out the failure of these authorities to recognize Jesus’s true identity and mission due to fear, urging us to confront our own fears and not become bystanders to injustice, but to actively follow Christ’s teachings, especially in caring for the marginalized.
Resources
The Book of Jeremiah: Jeremiah’s Cry for Justice
In Jeremiah 11:18-20, the prophet’s awareness of a deadly plot reveals his lonely struggle as God’s messenger. This moment reflects Jeremiah’s ongoing tension between faithfulness to his mission and the hostility he faces from his own people. His appeal for justice echoes the book’s larger theme of trusting God’s righteousness even amid betrayal and suffering.
Throughout Jeremiah, God’s covenant remains central—offering mercy but demanding loyalty. Jeremiah’s trust in divine justice, even when wronged, mirrors Israel’s call to return to faithfulness. On Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent, this reading reminds believers to rely on God’s judgment rather than personal revenge.
Psalm 7: Refuge in the Righteous Judge
Psalm 7 shows deep confidence in God’s fairness. The psalmist seeks refuge, not out of fear, but in trust that God alone can judge rightly. This prayer fits into the larger movement of the Psalms, where personal struggle becomes a path toward faith. The psalmist teaches that justice is not earned—it is received from a righteous and faithful God.
The Psalms as a whole reveal a journey of human emotion and divine faithfulness. In Psalm 7, that faith is shown through endurance and truth. On Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent, this psalm reminds us that God’s justice protects the innocent and restores peace.
The Gospel of John: Division and Revelation
In John 7:40-53, the people’s divided opinions about Jesus highlight the Gospel’s theme of misunderstanding and revelation. While some recognize him as the Messiah, others reject him based on shallow assumptions. This tension illustrates the Gospel’s broader message: true understanding of Jesus comes only through faith and openness to God’s will.
John’s Gospel emphasizes light and truth revealed through Christ. The confusion among the crowds and the Pharisees shows how human pride blinds hearts to that light. On Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent, this passage invites reflection on how faith breaks through division and leads to the recognition of Jesus as the true source of life.
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A Quiet Voice for Truth
This image for Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent captures Nicodemus as he speaks carefully while others stand in doubt. His calm defense of fairness reflects the moment in John’s Gospel when faith and courage meet opposition.
Use this image in your bulletin, newsletter, or youth ministry materials to spark reflection on standing for truth even when it is unpopular.
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Questions and Answers for Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent
Why is Jeremiah facing persecution in the first reading?
Jeremiah is being persecuted because he speaks God’s word, and some people do not want to hear it. This shows that following God’s call can lead to opposition, but God is always with those who are faithful.
What does Jeremiah mean when he calls God a just judge?
Jeremiah trusts that God sees the truth of every situation and will bring justice in His time. This reminds us to rely on God’s wisdom and fairness instead of trying to take matters into our own hands.
What can we learn from Jeremiah’s trust in God?
Jeremiah places his trust in God’s protection and justice even when facing danger. This teaches us to turn to God in difficult times and rely on His care.
What does the first reading teach about handling persecution?
The first reading shows that Jeremiah turns to God in prayer when faced with persecution. This reminds us to seek God’s help and trust that He will be with us in difficult times.
Why are people divided about Jesus in the Gospel?
In the Gospel, people have different opinions about who Jesus is because they do not understand His mission. This shows how confusion and preconceived ideas can prevent people from accepting the truth.
Why does Jesus continue His mission despite opposition?
Jesus knows that His mission is to do the will of the Father, so He remains faithful even when people reject Him. This reminds us to stay true to God’s call, even when it is hard.
What does the division in the Gospel teach us about truth?
The division shows that truth can challenge people’s assumptions and lead to disagreement. It reminds us to stay open to God’s word and seek understanding with faith.
How can we apply the readings for Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent to our lives?
We can trust in God’s care, remain faithful in the face of challenges, and rely on Him to guide us. These readings encourage us to speak truth with courage and to trust in God’s justice.
How can we remain faithful when faced with opposition?
We can remain faithful by staying close to God in prayer, trusting His guidance, and remembering His promises. The examples of Jeremiah and Jesus encourage us to persevere in faith.
What is the main message of Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent?
The main message is to trust in God’s protection, speak truth with courage, and remain faithful to Him, even in the face of challenges or rejection.
Standing Strong in Faith
Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent focuses on trusting in God and remaining faithful in the face of opposition. In the first reading, Jeremiah is threatened by people who reject his message from God. Despite this, he places his trust in God, calling Him a just judge and protector.
In the Gospel, people are divided over who Jesus is. Some believe in Him, while others question His origins and authority. Their confusion and doubt show how hard it can be to accept the truth when it challenges expectations.
These readings remind us to trust God’s guidance and justice. They call us to remain faithful when we face opposition or misunderstanding. Jeremiah and Jesus both show courage and faith, teaching us to rely on God’s care and to speak the truth with confidence.
Your Turn
Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent calls us to trust God in hard times and remain faithful to His truth. Reflect on how these readings speak to your life. Have you faced challenges when standing up for your faith? How did you respond?
Share your reflections in the comment section. Your thoughts may inspire and encourage others.