The Fourth Sunday of Lent

Today is Sunday the 13 March, the fourth Sunday in Lent.  

Ex Cathedra, directed by Jeffrey Skidmore, sing Dulce Jesus mio. “My sweet Jesus, look with mercy on my lost soul.”  As I begin to pray today, what kind of shape is my soul in? Lost and wandering?  On the edge? Or content and at peace?     

Today’s reading is from the letter to the Ephesians.  

Ephesians 2:4-10

But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness towards us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—not the result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.  

The Ephesians are told of God who is rich in love. What image comes to mind as you picture this God.   Can you think of a time when you have experienced this love? Perhaps it was a simple knowing that God’s love is real.  

We are what God has made us; loved even when we were dead in our trespasses, saved by grace, raised up to be with Jesus Christ in the heavenly places. What stirs in you when you hear this?  

Listen again to the reading…  

We hear that we have been created in Christ Jesus for good works. What might these good works be for you today? Imagine holding these in your hands as a gift to the God who is rich in love.  

You have given all to me. To you, Lord, I return it. Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me only your love and your grace,
that is enough for me.