Reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Lent – 2024

Written on: March 7, 2024

By Sister Karen Marie Voltz, GNSH

First Reading: 2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23
Second Reading: Ephesians 2:4-10
Psalm: Psalms 137:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6
Gospel: John 3:14-21

A digital, printable version is here: Fourth Sunday of Lent_Lenten Reflection Series 2024

All the readings for the Fourth Sunday of Lent are meaningful. However, as my spiritual journey evolves, I find that one or two passages or images from the Scriptures—just speak to me above all the others.

I ponder and reflect on them over and over throughout the week, or even during the liturgical season.

This was true for the Gospel, John 3:14-21, for March 10, 2024. “And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert,

so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.”

In context, the passage prior to Christ’s words, is the dialogue in which Christ tells Nicodemus he must be born anew to attain eternal life.

Now imagine the Israelites confessing their sinfulness and begging for mercy, as they gaze up at the bronze serpent mounted on a pole held by Moses. Thus, a new chance at extended physical life was offered them.

“…so must the Son of Man be lifted up so that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.” I see the crucified Christ lifted up, offering us eternal life, if we would only believe in Him.

I see Him lifted high on the cross on Calvary—stripped, in pain, suffering, in agony, and dying.

I see Him held high and jeered at, spit upon, beaten, stabbed, shot at, and even crucified today in places all over the world.

I see people gazing up at a crucifix in prayer in churches, hospitals, their homes, on their rosaries, or worn on their person.

Christ is “lifted up” for us, not just in the Crucifixion that we remember during Lent, but also in the Resurrection, Ascension, Glorification, and Exaltation.

The eternal life that is sought, begins here on earth. It is the quality of a life lived in faith and in the presence of God, that leads to life everlasting with God for all eternity.

I think, especially during Lent, of a hymn’s refrain that I often sing within myself:

“Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim, til all the world adore His sacred name.”

Our 2024 Lenten Reflection Series:
Ash Wednesday | Reflection by Sister Rita Margraff, GNSH
Second Sunday of Lent | Reflection by Sister Ceil Cosgrove, GNSH
Third Sunday of Lent | Reflection by Sister Julia Lanigan, GNSH
Fourth Sunday of Lent | Reflection by Sister Karen Marie Voltz, GNSH

This entry was posted in From our Sisters and tagged: Fourth Sunday of Lent 2024, GNSH, John 3:14-21, Sister Karen Marie Voltz