Rejoice Sunday

 Fourth Sunday of Lent

In today’s Gospel we read that God did not send his Son to condemn the world, “but that the world might be saved through him.” Jesus assures Nicodemus that rather than destroying, God gives life, reconciles, forgives, unites. God comes as light and invites us into the light. God is fullness, creativity, love, beauty. Let us rejoice on this “Rejoice Sunday,” Laetare Sunday from the first Latin words of the Entrance Antiphon: “Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful, all who were in mourning; exult and be satisfied at her consoling breast” (Isa 66:10-11).

Nicodemus may have visited Jesus at night because he was embarrassed. Sometimes we feel embarrassed by our lack of knowledge of Scripture or our images of a punishing God or a God who doesn’t answer our prayers. Put aside your embarrassment and have a heart-to-heart talk with Jesus. Be assured that “Whoever believes in him will not be condemned.”