4th Sunday of Lent

Laetare Sunday

Laetare Sunday, the 4th Sunday of Lent, is a day of joy as we near Easter. It reminds us of God’s mercy and love. In the Gospel, Jesus shows His power to heal both physically and spiritually. We are called to open our eyes to Christ’s saving grace. God’s love is also shown in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, where the father welcomes his son back with open arms. This Sunday encourages us to trust in God’s love and to continue our Lenten journey with hope and joy, knowing Christ offers healing and salvation.

Click on the appropriate year below to see resources, themes, homilies, and more. See how to determine the correct year.

4th Sunday of Lent Year A
4th Sunday of Lent Year B
4th Sunday of Lent Year C

Mass Readings for the 4th Sunday of Lent Year A

See resources, homilies, and more for the 4th Sunday of Lent Year A readings here.

First Reading – 1 Samuel 16:1B, 6-7, 10-13A: The Lord chose David, the youngest son of Jesse, to be king. Samuel anointed him, and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 23: The Lord provides for all my needs, guides me, protects me, and blesses me abundantly. I will dwell in his house forever, surrounded by his goodness and mercy.

Second Reading – Ephesians 5:8-14: You were once in darkness, but now you are in the light of the Lord. Live as children of light, exposing darkness, and Christ will give you light.
Gospel – John 9:1-41: You were once in darkness, but now you are in the light of the Lord. Live as children of light, exposing darkness, and Christ will give you light.

Mass Readings for the 4th Sunday of Lent Year B

See resources, homilies, and more for the 4th Sunday of Lent Year B readings here.

First Reading – 2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23: Judah’s betrayal of faith led to their exile as Babylon destroyed Jerusalem and the temple. God’s warnings were ignored, resulting in captivity. Fulfilling Jeremiah’s prophecy, the exile lasted until Cyrus of Persia decreed the rebuilding of the temple, marking the beginning of the return.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 137: In Babylon’s captivity, we wept for Zion, unable to sing our sacred songs in a foreign land. Forgetting Jerusalem would be my greatest loss, my joy silenced without its memory.
Second Reading – Ephesians 2:4-10: God, in His mercy, made us alive with Christ, saving us by grace through faith, not by our deeds, to display His grace in Christ. We are created for good works, predestined by God.

Gospel – John 3:14-21: Jesus taught Nicodemus about salvation, drawing a parallel to Moses’ act in the wilderness, emphasizing the necessity of the Son of Man’s sacrifice for eternal life. He highlighted God’s immense love and the offering of His only Son to save, not condemn, the world. Belief in the Son is the path to salvation, whereas rejection results in condemnation. The choice between light and darkness symbolizes the decisive nature of accepting or rejecting Jesus, with true followers naturally drawn to the light, showcasing lives lived in accordance with God’s will.

Mass Readings for the 4th Sunday of Lent Year C

See resources, homilies, and more for the 4th Sunday of Lent Year C readings here.

First Reading – Joshua 5:9A, 10-12: The Israelites celebrated Passover at Gilgal and ate the produce of Canaan. The manna ceased, and they no longer had manna but ate the land’s produce.

Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 34: Praise the Lord always, for he hears and saves those in need. Seek him and be filled with joy, without shame.
Second Reading – 2 Corinthians 5:17-21: In Christ, we are new creations. God reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the message of reconciliation. Be reconciled to God through Christ.
Gospel – Luke 15:1-3, 11-32: Jesus tells a parable about a father with two sons. The younger wastes his inheritance but is welcomed back with joy when he repents. The older son is resentful, but the father explains the need to celebrate the lost being found.

More About Lectionary Cycles

Learn more about the difference between a Bible and a Lectionary, how the Lectionary is arranged, and translations of the Bible used at Mass.

How to Determine the Liturgical Year

The liturgical cycle is a three-year sequence of A, B, and C.

2024 is Year B

2025 is Year C
2026 is Year A
2027 is Year B

2028 is Year C
2029 is Year A
2030 is Year B

2031 is Year C
… and so on