First Reading: (Isaiah 65:17–21)
Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 30)
Response: I will extol you, Lord, for you have raised me up.
Gospel: (John (4:43–54)
Reflection:
The joy of new things is the kind of joy that the prophet describes in the first reading from the Book of Isaiah.
God tells His people:
“Behold, I create new heavens and a new earth.”
At that time, Jerusalem had been destroyed. The people had suffered exile and slavery. They had lost their homeland, their temple, and their dignity. But God promised them something extraordinary:
He would make everything new again.
No more weeping.
No more suffering.
No more lives cut short.
People would build houses and live in them.
They would plant vineyards and enjoy their fruits.
God was promising restoration, hope, and renewal.
But this message is not only about ancient Jerusalem. It is also about us.
God wants to make us new.
During the season of Lent, God invites us to let go of the old self, the person we used to be in sin. The person who lies, quarrels, gossips, cheats, or refuses to forgive.
Lent is the season when we begin the process of becoming a new creation.
Saint John captures this same idea in the Gospel when the royal official believes the word of Jesus even before seeing the miracle. His faith begins a transformation not only for him but for his whole household.
Faith makes life new.
Lent prepares us for the great moment of Easter, when we celebrate the victory of Christ over sin and death. In a spiritual sense, we also rise with Christ as new people.
But here is the important question:
Do we truly want to become new?
Sometimes we are comfortable with our old habits. We say:
“This is just who I am.”
“I have always been this way.”
But God does not accept that limitation. God sees something better inside us. He sees the person we can become.
Look at nature after the rain. Dry trees grow fresh leaves. Brown grass becomes green again. Everything becomes alive.
In the same way, God wants our hearts to become alive again.
So during this season of Lent:
Let the old anger die.
Let the old lies die.
Let the old jealousy die.
Let the old selfishness die.
And allow God to create in you a new heart and a new spirit.
When people meet you after this Lent, they should say:
“Something has changed.”
“This person is different.”
“I see a new person.”
Friends, have the courage to accept the new life that God wants to give us.
Because the new person God creates in us will always be better than the old one you leave behind.
Amen.
Have a wonderful week
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