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Lectionary Link

November 20, 2025
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Lent

Forty days before the Triduum, the Lenten season disposes Catechumens and the faithful to celebrate the paschal mystery through prayer and penitential practices.

Sunday Readings and Backgrounds

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Fourth Sunday of Lent

Reading I : 2 Chronicles 36:14-17, 19-29

Early and often did God send messengers to them.

  • The Second Book of Chronicles was written after the Babylonian exile as a reinterpretation of history for the new situation in which the people found themselves.
  • A major focus of hope for the returned community was the rebuilt temple, a sign of the return of God’s presence.
  • The people saw the destruction of the former temple as a punishment for their sins and a fulfillment of the prophets' warnings.

Reading II : Ephesians 2:4-10

God is rich in mercy.

  • The Letter to the Ephesians emphasizes that God’s salvation is a gift and not something earned by human effort.
  • In the Hebrew Scriptures the major covenant virtues of love and fidelity are manifested in God and demanded of humans.
  • In Ephesians we are told again that it is because of God’s great love and abundant mercy that we are brought to life in Christ.

Gospel : John 3:14-21

The light came into the world.

  • In today’s Gospel, Jesus explains the truth seen in faith to Nicodemus.
  • Those who choose eternal life receive it because of faith in Christ.
  • Humans choose salvation or reject it just as they choose or reject life.