Paul Robson, SJ
Every year, on the first Sunday of Lent, we hear a Gospel reading about the Temptation of the Lord; and on the second Sunday of Lent we always hear about the Transfiguration. On the third Sunday, things are different from year to year; and, while those readings for the first two Sundays are good ones, of course, and are there for a reason, I’m particularly looking forward to the Gospel readings for the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent this year.
On the third Sunday of Lent this year, we will hear the story from John’s Gospel about the Samaritan woman; and on the following two Sundays, also from the Gospel of John, we’ll read and hear about the man born blind and then the raising of Lazarus. These are readings for Liturgical Year A, which we are in right now; but they can also be used in Years B and C, especially when there are catechumens (candidates for baptism).
By long tradition, baptisms of adults usually take place at the Easter Vigil, with preparations during the season of Lent. These people are not only baptised but receive the sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist as well. Easter can also be a good time for those who are already baptised to be received more fully into communion / the community through the other sacraments of initiation.
The three Gospel readings mentioned above, from John’s Gospel, fit with Christian initiation and preparation for the sacraments. They contain themes related to baptism, and they have also been called “three great gospels of the journey in faith”. Perhaps we can consider these themes as we journey through Lent this year; and let us pray that the grace of our own baptism might be renewed in us; and let us pray for catechumens and candidates who are preparing for the sacraments at Easter this year.
