Today’s readings have as their common theme that of deliverance: the first reading and psalm promise deliverance to Israel after her long exile; Paul testifies to our deliverance from sin through the free gift of faith, mercy and grace in Jesus Christ; and finally, John’s Gospel reminds us that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son”: Jesus sets us free from sin and death by the Paschal mystery of his life, death, and Resurrection.

Jesus shares these words with Nicodemus, who comes to visit him by night. Most of us should be able to relate to Nicodemus. He is a religious man, but also a bit skeptical; he wants to know and understand God better, but does not want to be seen doing so. Jesus tells him that although the Light has come into the world, we often prefer to remain in the shadows. This invites us to ponder: from what evils do we need deliverance: as individuals, as society, as church? What are the areas of darkness in my life which would benefit from the pure light of Christ? One concrete way to ask the Lord to fix his flashlight upon some of the shadowy areas in our lives is through the sacrament of reconciliation. Here at St. Monica’s, we will celebrate this special gift of God’s healing mercy on Thursday March 19 at 7 p.m. In the bulletin, you will find the schedule of Lenten penance services in our neighbouring parishes. All are encouraged, during this Lenten season, to share in this saving encounter with God’s all-forgiving love.

This year, the fourth week of Lent marks the celebration of two great saints: St. Patrick (March 17), and St. Joseph (March 19). Patrick grew up in Wales; at age 16, he was captured in a pirate raid and sold into slavery in Ireland. He later escaped, went to France, trained for the priesthood, and became a bishop. Eventually, Patrick returned to Ireland and became its greatest evangelizer, forging a link between the great treasure of Celtic spirituality and the traditions of Roman Catholicism. Joseph, a descendant of King David, was living as a carpenter in Nazareth when God called him. Matthew’s Gospel presents Joseph as a tzaddik: a “righteous man”, faithful to the covenant embodied in the Law of Moses, attentive to the voice of God, who spoke to him in dreams and through the events of his daily life. The Oratory dedicated to St. Joseph, patron of Canada, towers over our city’s skyline as a reminder of his faithfulness to his calling, and of his deep love for Jesus and Mary. St. Patrick and St. Joseph – pray for us!