Embracing Divine Mercy: A call to transformation

Mar 10, 2024

4th Sunday of Lent (B)
Readings: 2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23;
Ephesians 2:4-10;
Gospel: John 3:14-21

As we gather on this fourth Sunday of Lent, we find ourselves journeying deeper into the season of reflection and renewal. Today’s readings from Chronicles, Ephesians, and John, invite us to contemplate the profound depths of God’s mercy and the transformative power it holds in our lives.

In the passage from the Second Book of Chronicles (36:14-16, 19-23), we are reminded of the consequences of human disobedience and the faithfulness of God’s response. The people of Israel had repeatedly turned away from God, ignoring His commandments and pursuing their own desires. Their rebellion led to suffering and exile. Yet, even in the midst of their waywardness, God did not abandon them. He remained faithful to His covenant promises, offering them the opportunity for repentance and restoration.

Similarly, in his letter to the Ephesians (2:4-10), St Paul emphasises the incomprehensible richness of God’s mercy. We, who were once dead in our sins, have been made alive through Christ. It is by grace that we have been saved, not through our own merits or deeds, but as a gift from God. This gift of salvation is freely given to all who believe, irrespective of their past transgressions or shortcomings. Our reconciliation with God is not the result of our efforts, but of His boundless love and mercy.

The Gospel passage from John (3:14- 21) further illuminates this theme of divine mercy. Jesus speaks of His impending crucifixion, comparing Himself to the bronze serpent lifted up by Moses in the desert. Just as those who looked upon the serpent were healed and saved from physical death, so too will those who believe in Christ be saved from eternal death. Yet, Jesus also acknowledges the human tendency to prefer darkness over light, sin over righteousness. He invites us to embrace the light of truth and allow it to expose our sins, so that we may come to the light and experience the fullness of God’s mercy. What do these readings teach us about the nature of God’s mercy and our response to it?

Firstly, they remind us that God’s mercy is boundless and profound. No matter how far we may have strayed or how grievous our sins may be, God's mercy is always available to us. It is never too late to turn back to Him in repentance and receive His forgiveness.

Secondly, they challenge us to acknowledge our own need for mercy and to humble ourselves before God. We are called to recognise our sinfulness and shortcomings, not to wallow in guilt and shame, but to seek reconciliation with God and with one another. This Lenten season is a time for honest self-examination and conversion of heart, as we allow God’s mercy to transform us from within.

Finally, these readings call us to respond to God’s mercy with gratitude and obedience. We are called to live as grateful recipients of God’s grace, bearing witness to His love and mercy in our words and deeds. Just as God’s mercy has been freely given to us, so too are we called to extend mercy and compassion to others, especially to those who are in need or who have wronged us.

As we continue our Lenten journey, let us embrace the gift of God’s mercy with open hearts and minds. Let us allow His mercy to penetrate the depths of our being, transforming us into instruments of His grace and agents of reconciliation in the world. May we be ever mindful of the words of St Paul: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). Amen.

Let us pray,
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of Your mercy,
Which knows no bounds and endures
forever.
Grant us the grace to turn away from sin
And to embrace the light of Your truth.
Transform our hearts and minds
So that we may live as grateful recipients
Of Your saving grace,
And bear witness to Your mercy
In all that we say and do.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

(Fr George Vaithynathan is the assistant parish priest of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, Ipoh.)