4th Sunday of Lent Year B: Laetare Sunday

• 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 has a conversation with Nicodemus and references Moses lifting up the serpent in the wilderness as a foreshadowing of his own crucifixion and the salvation that it would bring. Jesus emphasizes the importance of believing in him as the Son of God in order to receive eternal life, and highlights the judgment that will come to those who do not believe.

Lectionary Reference: 32

Upcoming dates: March 7, 2027, March 31, 2030, March 27, 2033

The 4th Sunday of Lent Year B invites us to reflect on God’s mercy, salvation, and our response to His love. The readings remind us of the consequences of sin, the gift of grace, and the call to live in the light of Christ.

• God’s Mercy and Patience: God sent prophets to warn Judah, showing His patience and mercy. Even when they were exiled, God prepared a way for their return, showing His faithfulness and forgiveness.
• Consequences of Sin: The fall of Jerusalem was a result of the people’s unfaithfulness. This reminds us that turning away from God leads to darkness and separation.
• Salvation Through Christ: Jesus speaks of his crucifixion as the way to eternal life. Just as those who looked at the serpent were healed, those who believe in Christ are saved.
• Grace, Not Works: Salvation is a gift from God, not something we earn. We are saved by grace through faith, called to live in gratitude and good works.
• Light and Darkness: Jesus is the Light of the World, revealing truth and guiding us. Those who accept him live in the light, while those who reject him remain in darkness.
• Faith and Eternal Life: Belief in Jesus brings eternal life, while unbelief leads to judgment. The Gospel challenges us to trust in Christ and follow his teachings.

The 4th Sunday of Lent Year B reminds us of God’s mercy and the gift of salvation through Jesus. It calls us to respond with faith, gratitude, and a commitment to live in the light of Christ.

Illuminate My World Jesus – Light of the World Lesson Plan

The 4th Sunday of Lent Year B invites us to reflect on Jesus as the Light of the World. In the Gospel, Jesus reveals God’s love and shows us the way to salvation. Unlike the Old Testament, which gave glimpses of God’s nature, Jesus fully reveals God’s heart. He shows us that true love means giving oneself completely, as he did on the cross.

This message is important for young people to understand. It teaches that God’s love is unconditional and sacrificial. By following Jesus, we learn how to live in the light, loving others as he loves us. The 4th Sunday of Lent Year B challenges us to embrace this light and share it with the world.

God Lights Our Way

The 4th Sunday of Lent Year B focuses on light and darkness, making it a great opportunity for GLOW (God Lights Our Way) activities. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks of himself as the Light of the World, bringing truth and salvation to those who believe. He calls us to live in the light, rejecting sin and embracing faith. This message reminds us that God’s light guides us through life’s challenges.

Glow in the dark activities can symbolize how faith brightens our lives and leads us out of darkness. Just as light overcomes darkness, Jesus brings hope and clarity to our hearts. These activities help us reflect on how we can carry God’s light into the world by living with love, truth, and kindness. The 4th Sunday of Lent Year B invites us to follow Christ’s light and share it with others.

Some ideas for a GLOW theme:

• Glow in the Dark Sidewalk Chalk
• Glow in the Dark Dodgeball Game
• Glow in the Dark Ring Toss
• Glow in the Dark Twister Game
• Glow in the Dark Balloons Stomp

Nicodemus: A Journey of Faith in the Gospel of John

The 4th Sunday of Lent Year B features the story of Nicodemus visiting Jesus at night. Jesus explains the need to be “born again” to enter God’s kingdom, meaning a spiritual rebirth through the Holy Spirit. This teaching challenges Nicodemus to look beyond physical life and understand the new life that faith in Jesus brings.

Jesus also compares his future crucifixion to Moses lifting up the serpent in the desert, showing that faith in him leads to salvation. He emphasizes that belief in him brings eternal life, while rejecting him leads to judgment. The 4th Sunday of Lent Year B invites us to embrace this spiritual rebirth and live in the light of Christ’s love.

Resources and Reflections for the Gospel of John

The 4th Sunday of Lent Year B features Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus, where he compares his crucifixion to Moses lifting the serpent in the wilderness. Just as those who looked at the serpent were healed, those who believe in Jesus receive salvation and eternal life. This shows that faith in Jesus is the way to be saved from sin and darkness.

John’s Gospel emphasizes Jesus’ identity as the Son of God and the source of light and life. Jesus explains that he came to save, not to condemn, but each person must choose to accept or reject him. The 4th Sunday of Lent Year B invites us to reflect on our faith and to live in the light of Christ’s love and truth.

Lenten Ideas for Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving

On the 4th Sunday of Lent Year B, and throughout the Lenten season, Catholics are called to deepen their spiritual practices through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Prayer could involve dedicating additional time for meditation or attending a retreat to enhance spiritual reflection. Fasting might include giving up a favorite food or reducing screen time, while almsgiving could be expressed by volunteering at a local charity or donating to those in need. These practices are meant to draw us closer to God and our community, fostering a spirit of humility, self-discipline, and compassion, reflecting the core values of Lent and preparing our hearts for Easter.

Here is a small sampling of the 75+ ideas for prayer, fasting, and almsgiving which are available here:

• Make a Prayer Chain
• Have a Poor Man’s Meal for Dinner
• Post a Religious Message to Social Media
• Abstain from Meat on a Day in Addition to Friday
• Make a Gratitude List Every Day and Pray with It

What John 3:16 Teaches Us This Lent

Jeff Cavins reflects on the significance of Lent and the power of God’s love for the 4th Sunday of Lent Year B. He emphasizes that our Lenten sacrifices are rooted in our awareness of God’s desire to work within our lives. Cavins notes the universality of John 3:16’s message about God’s love and the salvation offered through belief in His Son. He further explores Paul’s message in Ephesians 2, stressing that we are God’s workmanship, created for good works through grace and faith, not by our deeds.

This Lenten period is a time for inner transformation, reminding us that our journey involves more than abstention; it’s about allowing God to shape us into His likeness, highlighting the Lenten call to become more like Jesus through God’s grace and mercy.

Living in the Light

Scott Hahn reflects on the 4th Sunday of Lent Year B, highlighting salvation history’s pivotal moments through Lenten readings—Noah’s covenant, promises to Abraham, and the law at Sinai. He discusses the destruction of the kingdom under the Davidic covenant, Israel’s exile due to abandoning God’s law, and their eventual merciful restoration, including through a pagan king.

Hahn connects this history to Jesus, who fulfills God’s promise to David, and, like the serpent lifted by Moses, Jesus’ crucifixion draws all to Him, offering salvation. He emphasizes God’s mercy, urging a recommitment to live by God’s truth and perform the good works prepared for us.

The 4th Sunday of Lent Year B invites us to reflect on God’s mercy, love, and our journey back to Him. The readings remind us of the gift of salvation through Jesus and the call to live as witnesses of His love. They also challenge us to recognize our exile from God and seek His mercy and forgiveness.

The Depth of God’s Love

The 4th Sunday of Lent Year B reminds us of God’s great love and the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Just as Moses lifted up the serpent to heal the Israelites, Jesus was lifted up on the cross to bring spiritual healing and eternal life to all who believe. His sacrifice shows the depth of God’s love and His desire to save us from sin.

As Catholics, we are called to reflect on this great love and to trust in God’s mercy. Salvation is a free gift that we cannot earn by our own efforts. It is given through faith in Jesus. This truth invites us to rely on God’s grace and to respond with gratitude and love.

But faith is not just about belief. It must be shown through our actions. The readings also remind us to live out our faith by doing good works and serving others. Our lives should reflect the love and mercy we have received from God.

The 4th Sunday of Lent Year B challenges us to remember the sacrifice Jesus made and to live as witnesses of his love. We are called to share the good news of salvation and to be lights in the world, bringing hope and love to those around us.

In Exile

The first reading for the 4th Sunday of Lent Year B tells of the Israelites returning from exile. They had turned away from God and faced the consequences of their sin. Yet, God did not abandon them. In His mercy, He allowed them to come back to their homeland. This story reminds us that even when we stray, God calls us back to Himself.

Like the Israelites, we too are in exile. Our true home is not in this world but with God in heaven. Jesus shows us the way back to our heavenly Father. During his time on earth, Jesus had no permanent home. He was rejected by his own people but found acceptance among his disciples. His true home was always with his Father in heaven.

Jesus teaches us that our home is with God, not in earthly possessions or status. Lent helps us to detach from worldly things and focus on our journey back to God. Through prayer, fasting, and giving, we let go of what holds us back and draw closer to God.

The 4th Sunday of Lent Year B invites us to reflect on our own exile and to seek the path that leads to God. It challenges us to trust in Jesus as our guide and to live with our hearts set on our heavenly home.

Mercy and Forgiveness

The 4th Sunday of Lent Year B highlights God’s mercy and forgiveness. In the first reading, the people of Judah faced exile because of their unfaithfulness. Yet, God did not abandon them. He prepared a way for their return through King Cyrus, showing His mercy and faithfulness to His promises.

In the Gospel, Jesus speaks to Nicodemus about the purpose of his mission. God sent His Son not to condemn the world but to save it. Jesus’ crucifixion is the greatest act of mercy, offering salvation to all who believe in him. Through his sacrifice, we are forgiven and given the hope of eternal life.

This Sunday reminds us that God’s mercy is greater than our sins. No matter how far we have strayed, God is always ready to forgive us if we turn back to Him. Lent is a time to seek God’s mercy through repentance and reconciliation.

We are also called to be merciful to others. Just as we receive forgiveness, we must forgive those who have wronged us. By showing mercy, we reflect God’s love and help others find healing and hope.

The 4th Sunday of Lent Year B challenges us to accept God’s mercy and to live as instruments of His forgiveness. It invites us to trust in God’s love and to share that love through acts of mercy and kindness.

The 4th Sunday of Lent Year B encourages us to embrace God’s love and share it with others. By accepting His mercy and following Jesus, we find our way back to our true home with God. May these reflections inspire us to grow in faith and live with hope and love.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for your mercy and love. Help us to trust in your forgiveness and live as witnesses of your grace. Guide us on our journey back to you. Give us courage to forgive others and share your light. May we always seek our home in you. Amen.

• How can you reflect on the depth of God’s love for you?
• In what ways are you living in spiritual exile?
• How can you seek God’s mercy during this Lenten season?
• What worldly attachments are keeping you from God?
• How can you share God’s love with others?
• Are you living out your faith through good works and service?
• How can you practice forgiveness and mercy in your life?
• What fears are keeping you from trusting God’s love?
• How can you strengthen your relationship with Jesus?
• How can you prepare your heart for Easter and the promise of new life?

The music selections for the 4th Sunday of Lent Year B reflect themes of salvation, mercy, and renewal. Many songs focus on God’s grace and the gift of salvation through Jesus, echoing the message of faith and eternal life found in the Gospel. Others emphasize light and hope, reminding us that Jesus is the Light of the World who guides us out of darkness. There are also hymns of gratitude and praise, celebrating God’s love and mercy. These choices help deepen the worship experience by connecting with the themes of repentance, faith, and renewal.

• Amazing Grace / My Chains Are Gone by Chris Tomlin
• Alive Again by Matt Maher
• Ashes by Tom Conry & Steve Grundy
• Broken Vessels/Amazing Grace by Hillsong Worship
• Christ Be Our Light by Bernadette Farrell 
• Come Alive / Dry Bones by Lauren Daigle
• Holy, Holy, Holy by Audrey Assad
• Holy Is the Lord by Chris Tomlin
• Holy/Jesus You Are by Matt Redman
• I Have Loved You by Michael Joncas
• If I Have Not Love by Matt Redman
• Let It Echo/Heaven Fall by Jesus Culture
• Lift High the Cross
• Now Thank We All Our God
• O Breathe On Me, O Breath of God by Edwin Hatch
• Only a Shadow by Carey Landry, Martha Lesinski & Louise Anderson
• Rise From the Ashes by Craig Colson
• The Church’s One Foundation by Samuel S. Wesley & Samuel J. Stone 
• The Lord Is My Light by Christopher Walker
• There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy by Fredrick William Faber
• Turn Our Hearts Around by Trevor Thomson

Music directors and musicians are encouraged to explore these selections for the 4th Sunday of Lent Year B. Consider how the themes of salvation, light, and mercy can enhance the liturgy. Share your experiences or suggest other fitting songs in the comments. Your ideas can inspire others and create a meaningful worship experience.

What date is the 4th Sunday of Lent Year B?

The next date is Sunday March 7, 2027.
For other years see the links below:
4th Sunday of Lent Year A
4th Sunday of Lent Year C

What are the Mass readings for the 4th Sunday of Lent Year B?

The Catholic Mass readings for Sunday March 7, 2027 are:
First Reading – 2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23: The Fall and Restoration of Judah
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 137: By the Rivers of Babylon
Second Reading – Ephesians 2:4-10: Saved by Grace Through Faith
Gospel – John 3:14-21: Belief in the Son for Eternal Life
If your parish is doing the RCIA scrutinies, use the readings for Year A instead.

What is the main message of the 4th Sunday of Lent Year B?

The main message is about God’s mercy and the gift of salvation through Jesus. It reminds us to believe in Christ and live in the light of His love.

Why were the people of Judah exiled in the first reading?

They were exiled because they turned away from God and ignored His warnings. Their unfaithfulness led to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple.

How does the first reading show God’s mercy?

Even after Judah’s exile, God did not abandon them. He used King Cyrus to allow them to return and rebuild the temple, showing His mercy and faithfulness.

Why did Jesus compare himself to the serpent Moses lifted up?

Just as the serpent brought healing to those who looked at it, Jesus brings salvation to those who believe in Him. His crucifixion heals us from sin and brings eternal life.

What does it mean to live in the light?

Living in the light means following Jesus and choosing truth and goodness. It involves rejecting sin and living in a way that reflects God’s love.

How does the 4th Sunday of Lent Year B relate to God’s love?

It reminds us that God loves us so much that He sent His Son to save us. Jesus’ sacrifice shows the depth of God’s love and His desire for us to have eternal life.

What is grace, and why is it important?

Grace is God’s free gift of love and mercy. We are saved by grace through faith, not by our own efforts, and this helps us live as children of God.

How can we respond to God’s gift of salvation?

We can respond by believing in Jesus and living out our faith through good works. This includes loving others, serving those in need, and sharing the hope of Christ.

Why is it important to seek God’s mercy during Lent?

Lent is a time of repentance and renewal. Seeking God’s mercy helps us grow closer to Him and prepares us for the joy of Easter.

How does the 4th Sunday of Lent Year B encourage us to change?

It challenges us to examine our lives and turn away from darkness and sin. We are called to live in the light, reflecting God’s love and grace.

How can we share God’s love and mercy with others?

We can share God’s love by forgiving others, helping those in need, and being a light in our communities. By living as witnesses of Christ, we bring hope and love to the world.