Fourth Sunday of Lent

Mass Celebrated by Archbishop Denis Hart
at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Melbourne,
on Sunday, 26th March, 2006, at 11.00am

Introduction

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The Gospel today is the second part of Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus about eternal life. 

It tells of God loving us first, of his ever-generous giving of his Son, the death of that Son and yet the effect of that death upon those who believe in him.

Jesus wants us to have life through faithfulness, to be mindful always of God, to know how much Jesus can offer us.  He challenges us to know that if we are God’s work of art, created in Christ Jesus to live the good life, how well have we freely measured up to that invitation.

Homily

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Sometime ago I heard the story of a parish priest who arranged the Mass schedule on Sunday morning so that he could get a game of golf.  It was a beautiful day.  Saint Peter said to God, “Look at him, he should be punished for this.”  God said, “Just watch.”  The priest proceeded to play the best golf of his life.  He got the right clubs, he hit every shot perfectly, there was even a hole in one on the eighteenth hole.  Saint Peter said to God, “I thought you were going to punish him.”  God said, “Just think about it.  Who can he tell?”

Nicodemus could not risk being identified with Jesus, so he came to visit Jesus by night.  He had the good news, but he was afraid to tell anyone.  Is there a bit of Nicodemus in you or me?  We know and love Jesus, but we are frightened about it.  God loves us so much that he gives us the perfect sign, that of the cross, which leads us through our life knowing that it is all worthwhile.

Notice Jesus’ words.  “God loved the world so much he gave his only Son that everyone who believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life.”  “God sent his Son so that through him the world might be saved.”  “The man who lives by the truth comes out into the light so that it may be plainly seen that what he does is done in God.”  Unlike the priest who could tell no one of his golfing prowess, we have nothing to fear. 

Jesus challenges us to live fully the Good News that he has offered us to be saved.  He has helped us to know Jesus as our great friend and Redeemer, to have a hope which the world cannot give.  Just as the Jews remembered Jerusalem, we cannot forget Jesus and we carry him with us.  At the end of Mass we will remember the difference that this light makes; justice in living, hope and truth in a correspondence between God’s Word and our actions, and an enthusiasm and vibrant love which shows to others what God has given to us.

In the words of the Psalm, “Come and listen and I will tell what wonderful things he has done for my soul.”  Dear friends, let us remember that God’s light is never going out and if we ponder his Gospel and live it, then what we do and give for others will be sincere and will change the world.  Jesus wants us to see his glory and to be carried along and challenged by it.  It is possible.  We are so lucky.  The man who lives by the truth comes out into the light so that it may be plainly seen that what he does is done in God.  May this truth guide our life now and always.

+ Denis J. Hart,
Archbishop of Melbourne.