March 10. Lent 4B.  Laetare Sunday. Fr Obed said, “I’ve been preaching that we should focus on God’s love and mercy even in the light of punishment.   The readings today do that. The 1st reading from the book of Chronicles tells how God attempted to call the leaders of the people to turn from their corrupt ways.  As they refuse to listen God punishes the people and they are taken away into exile. After a time God uses Cyrus a new king to allow them to return.  Corrupt leaders are a serious problem in our day too. Will God again punish the people because of corrupt leaders?  Is God doing so?  As we face an election in the near future, this is the time for the people to call the leaders to account.   However, in the reading God’s mercy and love are also shown. God’s own son, Jesus is given to us to save us. Read those passages carefully and share your response to God’s great love in spite of human wickedness. Thank the Father and thank Jesus too for their commitment to us. This is the joyful, true message  of this Sunday we call Laetare Sunday. Pope Francis also recommends that this be a time to promote the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Reflect, share. Scripture: Read the relevant scripture passages.  God so loved the world that he gave his only –begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16. Pope Francis: We are called to be instruments of God, our Father, so that our planet might be what he desired.  The problem is that we still lack the culture needed and we lack leadership capable of striking out on new paths and meeting the needs of the present with concern for all and without prejudice towards coming generations. LS 53.  In all families the Good News needs to resound in good times and in bad as a source of light on the way. All of us should be able to say, “thanks to the experience of our life in the family we come to believe in the love that God has for us.” AL 290 LSAP 6. Ecological spirituality   Pray a Lenten prayer.    . God of love, we were not always aware of the gravity of our lack of love, but now we hear the cry of the earth and of the poor and acknowledge our sinfulness and guilt. God of Mercy, we praise and thank you for your love   Choose an appropriate action.