March 15 Mon Lenten Weekday6 Is 65:17-21/Jn 4:43-54 

16 Tue Lenten Weekday Ez 47:1-9, 12/Jn 5:1-16

17 Wed Lenten Weekday [Saint Patrick, Bishop]

Is 49:8-15/Jn 5:17-30 

18 Thu Lenten Weekday [Saint Cyril of Jerusalem] Ex 32:7-14/Jn 5:31-47 

19 Fri SAINT JOSEPH, SPOUSE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Solemnity

2 Sm 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16/Rom 4:13, 16-18, 22/Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24a or Lk 2:41-51a 

20 Sat Lenten Weekday Jer 11:18-20/Jn 7:40-53 

21 SUN FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

Jer 31:31-34/Heb 5:7-9/Jn 12:20-33 

or, for Year A, Ez 37:12-14/Rom 8:8-11/Jn 11:1-45 or 11:3-7, 17, 20-27, 33b-45 

Our gospel readings for this week and the remainder of lent are mostly from St. John’s gospel. Until now, they were from the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew’s Gospel – Jesus’ teaching on prayer and mercy and forgiveness of others, and also some readings from Luke’s Gospel.  They reported on Jesus’ journey through Galilee where he taught and worked wonders, but he was not well received. 

Yet God’s Mercy, made flesh in Jesus Christ, continues a saving journey.

As he reached Jerusalem, Jesus worked wonders, gave sight to the man born blind, raised Lazarus from the dead and taught in the temple, but opposition to him grew stronger, John’s Gospel reports. 

More than the other gospels, John sees a glorious Christ on his way to accomplish his mission to bring life to the world, even if that world opposes him or clings to the darkness, like Nicodemus. (John 4:43-54)

Different ages give us saints, we’re reminded in the saints we celebrate this week. Joseph, spouse of Mary, was a holy man who raised Jesus as a father. Cyril of Jerusalem was 5th century bishop who revered the place where Jesus suffered, died and rose again. Patrick was a great 5th century missionary to Ireland.

God’s saving Love makes all ages holy.

Try our new website for everyday prayer. www.praydaybyday.org . Morning and Evening Prayers, Week 4