This Liturgy Blog is for those communities who choose to do the OCIA Option readings of Year A. For the Year C readings, please see the companion blog for this day.
Today is Part Two of the Lectionary’s three-part Lenten focus on the Gospel according to John as we celebrate the Second Scrutiny for our OCIA Elect. Let’s begin with the Gospel.
As we saw last week, John was writing to a Christian community that gave theological priority to the divinity of Christ. In this Gospel, Jesus often emphatically reveals himself as the Son of God – or the “Son of Man,” an Old Testament term from the Book of Daniel that has messianic connotations. Jesus’ reference to himself in the third person as the Son of Man is a literary device that establishes his divinity to those who hear this Gospel.
In today’s passage, we again see John’s effective use of drama in the story of the man born blind man. Once again, the glory of God is revealed in the humble and the lowly.
The First Reading from 1 Samuel underscores this teaching in the story of young David, a shepherd boy chosen by God to be king.
The Lord said to Samuel: “Do not judge from his appearance. Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance, but the Lord looks into the heart.”
Significantly, David, the youngest in the family, is tending sheep, and that explains the Lectionary’s choice of Psalm 23 for the Responsorial Psalm.
The lesson from today’s readings is clear: Jesus helps us to see the light and gives us the strength, as our Good Shepherd, to handle adversity and rejection from those who are hostile to Christ. This is a very uplifting message for our OCIA Elect, who may be facing their own opposition and doubt as they choose to follow Jesus Christ. It is a message that gives strength to all who bear the name “Christian.”
4th Sunday of Lent Entrance Antiphon Rejoice, Jerusalem, and All Who Love Her (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart, Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #75
Today’s Entrance Antiphon celebrates the abundance of God’s mercy.
Entrance Chant You Are the Light (Sarah Hart)
Breaking Bread #521
With powerful lyrics and lilting melody, Sarah Hart’s contemporary hymn sings in praise of Christ as light – an appropriate way to reflect on today’s Gospel.
Responsorial Psalm The Lord Is My Shepherd, There Is Nothing I Shall Want (Sarah Hart)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: p. 130; Breaking Bread #742
The appealing Celtic feel of this melody has made Sarah’s setting of Psalm 23 popular beyond its use in Spirit & Psalm.
Gospel Acclamation Glory to You, O Word of God: Mass of St. Mary Magdalene (Sarah Hart)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: p. 134
As always, the Acclamation verse prepares us to listen to the proclamation of the Gospel.
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts Lead Us to the Cross (Chris Muglia)
Chris Muglia’s song is a thoughtful accompaniment for our Lenten journey. Note how the Bridge references today’s Gospel: “O God, renew our hearts and minds; remove the blindness from our eyes.” You will find the sheet music in the link above.
4th Sunday of Lent Communion Antiphon The Lord Anointed My Eyes (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart, Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #76 [Option 1]
The Option 1 Antiphon is from John 9:11 and cites the testimony of faith by the man born blind.
Communion Chant Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) (John Newton; arr. by Chris Tomlin & Louie Giglio)
Spirit & Song #265
This contemporary setting of “Amazing Grace” was also recommended for the liturgy of the Year C readings. The song’s message of healing and mercy is relevant to today’s OCIA Gospel.
Sending Forth Send Your Glory Down (Trevor Thomson and Tom Booth)
Spirit & Song #229
A song that celebrates Christ as the Radiant Light Divine.
Liturgy Blog is a weekly liturgy planning resource for musicians, liturgists, homilists, youth groups, faith sharing groups, and all who look to the liturgical readings for inspiration and nourishment. Join Ken Canedo as he breaks open the Scripture and suggests tracks from the Spirit & Song contemporary repertoire.
If you want to use songs that are not in any of the books you have, you can license the songs through ONE LICENSE. Paying for the usage of songs will ensure the Church will have quality songs for years to come.
