Lent 4 – Week of March 15th, 2026

Sunday, March 15, 2026
Readings: 1 Samuel 16:1–13; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5:8–14; John 9:1–41

Reflection
When Samuel looks for Israel’s next king, he assumes strength and appearance will reveal God’s choice. Yet God chooses David, the overlooked shepherd, reminding us that divine wisdom often sees what human judgment misses. In John’s Gospel, a man born blind receives sight, while those who claim certainty remain unable to see the truth before them. Psalm 23 reassures us that God faithfully guides us, even when the path is unclear. Paul urges believers to live as children of light, allowing God to reveal what lies hidden. Necessary suffering often involves letting go of the illusion that we see clearly on our own. When we surrender control and invite God’s guidance, our vision deepens and we begin to recognize hope and purpose where we least expected it.

Question for Contemplation
Where might you need to release certainty and allow God to show you something new?

Prayer
God of light, open my eyes to what I cannot see on my own and guide me in your wisdom.

Intention for the Day
Approach one situation today with humility and curiosity, trusting that God may reveal something you had not yet seen.

Monday, March 16, 2026
Readings: Psalm 146; Isaiah 59:9–19; Acts 9:1–20

Reflection
Isaiah describes a people searching for light yet walking in darkness. Their longing reflects the human experience of confusion and moral blindness. In Acts, Saul’s dramatic encounter with Christ transforms him from persecutor to witness. His physical blindness becomes the doorway to spiritual insight. Psalm 146 reminds us that true hope does not rest in human power but in God, who restores sight and lifts the oppressed. Sometimes clarity arrives through disruption—moments that stop us in our tracks and invite us to see differently. When we remain open to God’s transforming presence, even our most disorienting experiences can lead us toward new purpose and deeper faith.

Question for Contemplation
Where might God be inviting you to reconsider something you once felt certain about?

Prayer
Transforming God, open my eyes to your truth and give me the courage to follow where you lead.

Intention for the Day
Listen carefully to someone whose perspective challenges your assumptions.

Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Readings: Psalm 146; Isaiah 42:14–21; Colossians 1:9–14

Reflection
Isaiah speaks of a God who leads the blind along unfamiliar paths, guiding them into light. The promise is not that the journey will be easy, but that God will not abandon those who trust. Psalm 146 celebrates the God who lifts those weighed down and restores dignity to those who struggle. Paul prays that believers will grow in wisdom and spiritual understanding so they may live lives worthy of God’s calling. Insight often grows slowly, shaped through patience and trust. When we allow God to lead us step by step, clarity emerges and we discover strength we did not know we possessed.

Question for Contemplation
Where might God be leading you along a path that feels unfamiliar but promising?

Prayer
Guiding God, give me patience and trust as you lead me into deeper wisdom and understanding.

Intention for the Day
Take a small step today in a direction that reflects trust in God’s guidance.

Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Readings: Psalm 146; Isaiah 60:17–22; Matthew 9:27–34

Reflection
Isaiah envisions a future where God’s presence becomes the light that guides all people. In Matthew’s Gospel, two blind men cry out to Jesus with persistent faith, trusting that he can restore their sight. Their willingness to ask openly becomes the doorway to healing. Psalm 146 reminds us that God stands with those who are vulnerable and in need. Often the clarity we seek begins with the courage to acknowledge our limitations and ask for help. When we bring our needs honestly before God, we make space for transformation and renewed vision.

Question for Contemplation
What need or struggle might you bring honestly before God today?

Prayer
Compassionate God, help me trust that you hear my deepest needs and respond with mercy and care.

Intention for the Day
Express one honest need in prayer or conversation with someone you trust.

Thursday, March 19, 2026
Readings: Psalm 130; Ezekiel 1:1–3; 2:8—3:3; Revelation 10:1–11

Reflection
Psalm 130 rises from the depths with a cry for mercy and hope. Ezekiel and John both receive visions that challenge and reshape their understanding of God’s purposes. These moments of revelation are powerful but not easy; they demand courage, humility, and willingness to carry difficult truths. Insight often arrives through experiences that stretch our understanding and call us into deeper faithfulness. When we listen carefully and remain open to God’s voice, even challenging revelations can become nourishment for our spiritual journey.

Question for Contemplation
Where might God be inviting you to listen more deeply, even if the message is challenging?

Prayer
Revealing God, give me courage to hear your truth and wisdom to carry it faithfully.

Intention for the Day
Spend a few moments in quiet reflection, asking God to guide your listening heart.

Friday, March 20, 2026
Readings: Psalm 130; Ezekiel 33:10–16; Revelation 11:15–19

Reflection
Ezekiel reminds the people that turning back toward God brings life. Transformation is always possible when we choose honesty and repentance. Psalm 130 echoes this hope, affirming that God’s mercy is deeper than any failure. Revelation proclaims that God’s justice and reign ultimately prevail. The path of faith requires acknowledging our missteps while trusting that God’s grace continues to guide us forward. Clarity often grows when we allow truth and mercy to work together in shaping our lives.

Question for Contemplation
What step toward honesty or renewal might God be inviting you to take today?

Prayer
Merciful God, help me turn toward your life-giving grace with humility and trust.

Intention for the Day
Identify one small step that moves you closer to honesty, healing, or reconciliation.

Saturday, March 21, 2026
Readings: Psalm 130; Ezekiel 36:8–15; Luke 24:44–53

Reflection
Ezekiel offers a vision of renewal where barren places flourish once again. In Luke’s Gospel, the risen Christ opens the disciples’ minds to understand the scriptures and their mission in the world. What once seemed confusing becomes clear through Christ’s presence and teaching. Psalm 130 reminds us that patient hope anchors the soul as we wait for God’s redemption. Insight often unfolds gradually, shaped through reflection, experience, and trust. When we remain open to God’s guiding presence, new understanding emerges and we find ourselves equipped for the journey ahead.

Question for Contemplation
Where might God be opening your understanding in ways you had not expected?

Prayer
Faithful God, deepen my understanding and guide me as I grow into the calling you place before me.

Intention for the Day
Reflect on one recent experience and ask what new insight God might be revealing through it.