Journey toward the Light

Each Lent, the Church invites us to walk more intentionally with Christ toward the mystery of the Cross and the hope of the Resurrection. This year (Cycle A), we are invited to reflect on the Gospel of Matthew. The Gospel passages trace a beautiful path of conversion—beginning in the desert and ending at the empty tomb. Rather than images of desolation, they reveal how God meets us in our pain, weakness, and suffering and leads us into new life.

We first encounter Jesus in the wilderness, resisting temptation and choosing fidelity to God. In overcoming temptation and led by the Spirit, Jesus reveals that Lent is not merely about sacrifice, but about trusting God more deeply in the midst of struggle. From the wilderness we are led to the Transfiguration, where we lift our eyes to Christ’s glory and learn that the journey through suffering is never without purpose. God’s light is always shining before us.

The following Sundays draw us into a deeply personal encounter with Jesus. Like the Samaritan woman, we come thirsty, carrying questions, wounds, and longings that only the “living water” of Christ can satisfy. Like the man born blind, we ask to see more clearly, recognizing that true sight is the gift of faith. We are then led to the tomb of Lazarus where, like Martha, we are challenged to go beyond appearances and rationality. We hear Jesus call us out of whatever tombs bind us, revealing that no darkness, sin, or even death has the final word.

Our Lenten journey leads us to Palm Sunday, where we walk with Christ through betrayal, sacrifice, and love poured out completely. Here we learn that the Cross is not the end of the story, but the doorway to new life in the Resurrection.

This Lenten journey is ultimately our own story: from temptation to trust, from blindness to sight, from thirst to living water, from death to life. As we pray, fast, and give alms, may our hearts be opened to the voice of Jesus calling each of us by name—calling us to justice, service, and the freedom of his saving love.

May this holy season lead us…

— by Susan Santos

Journey toward the Light
Lenten Sunday Reflections

FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT

With Jesus, we begin our Lenten journey in the quiet of the desert. We contemplate how God, loving us from all eternity, breathed into us “the breath of life,” and, even more wonderfully, enables us to share God’s life through the death and resurrection of Jesus. How are we to live out this God-life? How are we to respond to, as St. Paul puts it, the “abundance of grace” bestowed on us at our baptism? How are we to be light and life for a world torn by war, aggression, discord, and inhumanity toward those most in need? With the psalmist we plead, “a clean heart create for [us], O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within [us].” We enter our Lenten desert confident that our plea will be heard, that we will be renewed and strengthened by the Holy Spirit, as Jesus was. With that strength to sustain us, may we be willing to put aside all that is superfluous in our lives and undertake the journey toward the new life of the resurrection.

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

With Peter, we might be tempted to distance ourselves from the discord and chaos of our current political climate. A tent away from the fray sounds good to our weary minds and hearts. But just as God called Abram to “go forth from the land of [his] kinsfolk and from [his] father’s house”—away from all he knew and could rely on—so we, who have been baptized into Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection, are called “not according to [our] own design but according to [God’s]” to “bear [our] share of hardship for the gospel.” Venturing into the unknown to follow God’s plan, to put our own desires aside in the service of others, and to stand up for justice as we follow a God “who loves justice and right,” is difficult. Paul assures us, though, that we have “the strength that comes from God.” What are we called to do to bring Christ’s life to the world?

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

We thirst like the Jews in the desert, grumbling under the weight of all life asks of us. We thirst with the Samaritan woman at the well and all those like her seeking acceptance in a world often unable to offer welcome to “the other.” We thirst with Jesus, ardent lover of all people, who joins the outcast woman at Jacob’s well and asks for a drink—of water, yes, but even more for the gathering of all into his kingdom. Before Jesus’ conversation with the woman ends, he will declare himself a fountain of living water “welling up to eternal life” for all who believe in him. We who are baptized have received that living water and are called to share “the love of God [that] has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit” with those who lack safety, food, and shelter. And Paul assures us that we will have the strength to answer this call, for “hope does not disappoint.” We need only ask for help from the One who has already proven his love by dying for us. Then we need to ask ourselves what we can do to alleviate the thirsts of our brothers and sisters.

FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT

This fourth Sunday is traditionally called “Laetare,” or “Rejoice” Sunday—a midway point in our Lenten journey. Today’s readings remind us that we have so much to be joyful about, even in the midst of a saddened world. We rejoice that “not as man sees does God see,” for “the Lord [God] looks into the heart.” How fortunate for us that, though we may not be famous or important, God has looked into our hearts and called us, the least ones, as God called the young David, to do God’s work. We rejoice that, like the man born blind, we can say, “I do believe, Lord.” We rejoice that although we were “once darkness, now [we] are light in the Lord.” How can we, like the blind man, live in Christ’s light and become light for one another and for an increasingly dark world?

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

“I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die,” Jesus tells Martha just before he raises her brother Lazarus to life. As we near the end of our Lenten journey and prepare to enter into Holy Week, having engaged in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we are more than ready to hear this joyful news. The hard days of Lent, the time spent helping others, the sufferings of mind and body—all lead us to new risen life, for having died with Christ, we are certain we will rise with him. God speaks to us through the prophet Ezekiel: “O my people, I will open your graves and have you rise from them… I will put my spirit in you that you may live…” The new life of Christ’s resurrection is already being accomplished in us!

— by Marianne Siccardi

Prayer of the Community

O Christ, we began our Lenten journey with the sign of ashes, reminding us that this is no ordinary walk. Strengthen our desire to be free of all that keeps us from following you – the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Guide our steps and help us to return to you with our whole being.

IN YOUR MERCIFUL LOVE, HEAR US!

O Christ, division among the political and religious leaders of your day eventually led to your crucifixion. As discord continues to escalate in our world, our country, and our Church, help us to remember that you gave your life for ALL people. Empower us to be your loving presence for one another.

IN YOUR MERCIFUL LOVE, HEAR US!

O Christ, at the Last Supper you washed the feet of your disciples and instructed them to go and do likewise. Help us to be your loving hands, serving all those in need with humility and joy.

IN YOUR MERCIFUL LOVE, HEAR US!

O Christ, who in Gethsemane faced your approaching passion and death alone, be with those suffering from physical or mental illness, anxiety, fear, grief, hunger, and poverty, especially those who suffer alone. Equip us to be your balm of compassion, healing, and love.

IN YOUR MERCIFUL LOVE, HEAR US!

O Christ, who died that we may have life, bind up the wounds of your broken world. Strengthen us to be conduits of your grace and mercy and vessels of your light and peace.

IN YOUR MERCIFUL LOVE, HEAR US!

O Christ, as we move one step closer to the promise of your light, help us to see that suffering and death are never the end, but the way to the fullness of life in you. With your help, may we find new meaning in the Easter that awaits us all.

AMEN.