March 27th, By Elle Novicio: Sophomore

March 27, 2022: Fourth Sunday of Lent
Elle Novicio: Sophomore
Readings: 1 Sm 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a/Eph 5:8-14/Jn 9:1-41 or 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38

Today is Laetare Sunday.  The Latin word, laetare, means “to rejoice.”  We are more
than halfway through Lent and our readings give us something about which we can rejoice.  In
the Gospel, Jesus tells us that he is the light of the world. This is such an important message to
share and hear. Some people who may be living in darkness may feel a sense of hopelessness or
frustration but through Jesus, they are to be given a sense of joy and happiness. Jesus fulfills the
darkness we have in us as “light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth”.
No matter what troubles we are going through, we are saved only by Christ as we are “children
of light”. In the second reading, Eph 5:8-14, we are told that we were once darkness but now we
are in the light of the Lord. It was through our Baptism that we were able to be brought into the
light. 
This Lenten season, we should strive to live in the light of Christ. As we are continuing to
prepare for Easter, we must remind ourselves that we are “children of light”. But how do we live
in the light of the Lord? It is said in the second reading that we must learn what is pleasing to the
Lord. We must also not take part in the actions of the darkness but expose them for everything is
exposed by the light. For example, we must overcome our greed or pride. We should not only
have concern for ourselves to be in the light, but we should also help spread the light unto others.
It is our responsibility as Christians to help take people out of the darkness and bring them into
the light by sharing the Good News of Christ.
In advertisements, have you noticed how the words “new” and “improved” are written? 
 Ads never say, “new but worse than before.”  Nor do they say, “new box but same old product.” 

When something is new, it implies it should be better than before or improved.  The same is true
in our spiritual life.  Lent, as both sets of readings for today present, is a time of Newness and
Improvement.  We are asked to be renewed and to improve our own lives personally and
communally.  Lent (or “Spring”) is a time when the old, dead experiences of our spiritual
“winter” are given new life.  But new spiritual life requires an improvement on our part.  We
cannot be the same old persons we have been.  It takes work.  It means we have to do spring
cleaning in our lives.  But the results of being willing to change and improve will lead to
newness in ourselves, in our relationship with others, and in our relationship to God.  That
should also make us want to “Rejoice!—Laetare!”