The associated reading for this reflection can be found in your Every Sacred Sunday Mass journal or online here.
This Sunday is known as Laetare Sunday, which, after several weeks of trudging the dark days of Lent, is a hopeful signal that though the darkest times in the life of Jesus are soon to come, our tears will very quickly be turned into dancing.
Yet, today’s readings have a bit of an ominous tone to them don’t they? Take the Gospel, for instance. Conversing with Nicodemus, Jesus alludes to His gruesome death that will save the souls of all the world. And it’s hard to ignore the intense word choice peppered throughout the rest of the reading: “wicked,” “darkness,” “evil,” “condemn.” It’s just as easy, therefore, to miss the message of hope that lies between these words.
At this point in Lent, we are weary. Our motivation to remain steadfast in our prayers and promises has waned. In many parts of the world, it’s dark and cold this time of year. Things look and feel bleak, and now it seems we’re being told that we’re already condemned.
But it’s by His grace that we are saved, as St. Paul reminds us in the second reading. And it’s within our power to open our hands to receive this gift. Today’s joyful message comes in the subtle but significant reminder that with Jesus, there is always the freedom of choice and that there is always a chance to enter into His light. No matter the promise broken or the “evil work” committed, we can choose at any time to lay down our fear and our past to receive the gift of His sacrifice, the one that has redeemed us—not condemned us.
In the last few weeks of Lent, take advantage of the sacrament of Reconciliation. Bring your darkness to Christ and let Him transform it into light.
Perpetua Charles works as a book publicist in Boston, Massachusetts. She loves the Lord, TV, Disney princesses, books, 90s-00s teen pop, and the color pink. Say hi on Instagram!