Fourth Sunday of Lent (3/19/2023)
Write an expository homily for the Fourt Sunday of Lent, Laetare Sunday, using these scripture passages: 1 Samuel 16:1b 6-7,10-13a; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41 ; while cross-referencing the Fathers of the Church, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the writings of recent popes throughout. My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, as we gather together on this Laetare Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Lent, we are reminded that even in the midst of our Lenten penance, we have reason to rejoice. The readings today invite us to look beyond appearances and to recognize the hidden beauty and goodness that lies within us and in others. In the first reading, we hear about the anointing of David as the new king of Israel. Samuel was sent by God to anoint the one who would replace Saul as king, and when he saw David, he initially thought he was too young and insignificant to be the chosen one. But God reminded Samuel that "man sees the appearance, but the Lord looks into the heart" ...