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

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.

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.

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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?

Word on Fire: It’s Not All OK

In Bishop Robert Barron’s reflection for Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent, he discusses the division caused by Jesus’s preaching, highlighting the need for a fundamental change in vision, attitude, and behavior contrary to the notion that we are already fine as we are.

He emphasizes Christianity’s focus on recognizing and addressing sin—a concept increasingly neglected in today’s society. Barron argues that understanding and admitting our personal faults is essential for genuine transformation, as Christianity is fundamentally about salvation from sin, a truth embodied by the saints. Losing sight of sin means losing the essence of Christianity itself.

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

The next date is Saturday April 5, 2025.

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

The Mass readings for Saturday April 5, 2025 are:
First Reading – Jeremiah 11:18-20: The Prophet’s Cry for Justice
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 7: God’s Deliverance for the Righteous
Gospel – John 7:40-53: Divided Opinions about Jesus

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.