4th Sunday of Lent (B) : 14th March 2021

In today’s Gospel reading, we see how Nicodemus, though he admired Jesus, yet was afraid to meet Jesus openly. Henri Nouwen saw this as a call to detachment as he said: “I love Jesus but want to hold on to my own independence even when that independence brings me no real freedom …”. What about us who claim to be Jesus’ followers? How often do we find ourselves holding onto many things/persons that draw us away from the call to true discipleship?

As such, we are challenged to examine the motives of our actions. Do our actions reflect Christ’s Light and love? Do we do things to please others or fulfil our own needs?

As Christians, we are called to be agents of transformation in our society, bearing the light of Christ wherever we may be. How do we respond to this call?

In the second reading, we are reminded that we receive the grace and gifts in our efforts to make Christ known and loved through faith. This response is borne out of God’s unconditional love for us as God’s work of art (Eph. 2:10).

During this Lenten season, let us continue to seek God’s presence in our lives and to reflect continually on our daily response to people events/situations of life which call us to give Christ-like responses, e.g., speaking out against situations of injustice and marginalisation of people.

“Lord, help us to respond to Your call to be agents of transformation firstly within ourselves and then in our society.”