4th Sunday of Lent – Year B (2021)

The readings for the 4th Sunday of Lent for Year B focus on God’s faithfulness in drawing us closer to him. The first reading (2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23) tells how God inspired Cyrus to allow the chosen people to worship once again in Jerusalem. The psalm (Psalm 137:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6) is ” Let my tongue be silenced, if I ever forget you!” The second reading (Ephesians 2:4-10) is a reminder of God’s amazing love and mercy for us who are sinners. And in the gospel (John 3:14-21) tells of Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus, where Jesus explains that he was sent to us out of the boundless love of God.

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son,
so that everyone who believes in him might not perish
but might have eternal life.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,
but that the world might be saved through him.

John 3:16 – 17

Discussions for these readings could include topics such as God’s love for us, light and darkness, and our longing for God. Here are some ideas:

Lenten Activities: Make a Prayer Chain

A prayer chain puts our prayers in a tangible form. For children, this can be a good way to teach about the different types of prayer.  #prayer #YouthGroup #YouthMinistry #ReligiousEd #CCD #PSR #VBS

Lenten Activities: Have a Poor Man’s Meal for Dinner

Fasting is one of the traditional Lenten practices for Catholics. One way to fast is to have a poor man's meal. Instead of a full dinner, have a simple bowl of soup and a few crackers. This method of fasting is a way to express solidarity with the hungry and homeless in our community.

Glow in the Dark Balloon Stomp

Most people working with youth are familiar with Balloon Stomp. This is a glow in the dark twist on the game. It would go well with a GLOW (God Lights Our Way) theme or just any evening activity.

Post a Religious Message to Social Media

Some people fast from social media during Lent. This can be a very effective way to regain wasted time. But if you are not fasting from social media, consider posting an inspirational message. This is a really good Lenten practice for teenagers and adults to try. #Lent #SocialMedia

Lenten Activities: Go to a Fish Fry

Yes. It's a Catholic tradition. The fish fry. In our area local news stations even publicize them and have maps of them on their websites. Sure they are related to our practice of abstaining from meat on Fridays, but they are more about community.

Give Something You Like to Charity

Giving away clothes or toys to a charity is a good way to practice almsgiving. But just giving away something you don't want or use anymore is more like an act of closet cleaning than an act of sacrifice. Consider including at least one item you use frequently and enjoy.

Where Is Lent in the Bible?

This video explains the origins of Lent - a time of preparation, and testing, and training. Just as Jesus spent 40 days in the desert preparing for his ministry, we spend 40 days engaging in battle.

Make a Gratitude List Every Day and Pray with It

Gratitude can be one of the most fruitful forms of prayer. When we specifically notice things to be grateful for, we become aware of and acknowledge God's constant presence in our lives. Practicing gratitude daily is a practice which can change your whole attitude and it doesn't have to take a lot of time.

Lenten Activities: Abstain from Meat on a Day in Addition to Friday

Fasting is one of the traditional Catholic Lenten practices. All Catholics abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent as a form of fasting. For personal fasting, you can choose to voluntarily abstain from meat one more day during the week.

Say a Rosary With Your Family or Youth Group

The rosary is one of the most misunderstood Catholic devotions. While some non-Catholics see it as worshiping Mary, it is in fact focused on Christ. The mysteries of the rosary are based on important events in the life of Christ. When we meditate on these mysteries we consider these events and how they relate to our own lives and our relationship with Jesus Christ.

For God So Loved the World (John 3:16)

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. - John 3:16-17