Hello, Reader!
Join us this morning for Mass with Fr. Matthew Buterbaugh as we continue our Lenten journey!
Reflection on the Readings for the 4th Sunday of Lent 2026
Join us as we celebrate the light of Christ!
Old Testament – 1 Samuel 16:1-13 God sends Samuel to anoint a new king from Jesse's sons. When Samuel is drawn to the impressive Eliab, God corrects him: "The Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." After passing over seven sons, Samuel finally anoints the youngest — David, the overlooked shepherd boy — and the Spirit of the Lord comes upon him mightily.
Psalm 23This This beloved psalm, attributed to David the shepherd-king, depicts God as the Good Shepherd who provides, guides, and sustains us — even through the valley of the shadow of death. On this Sunday of David's anointing reminds us that the shepherd boy knew firsthand what it meant to be led by God.
Epistle – Ephesians 5:8-14 Paul reminds us that we were once darkness itself, but in Christ, we have become light. As children of light, we are called to produce the fruits of goodness, righteousness, and truth, and to heed the call of an early Christian hymn: "Sleeper, awake! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."
Gospel – John 9:1-41 Jesus heals a man born blind, declaring himself the light of the world. What follows is an escalating controversy with the Pharisees, while the healed man's faith grows from confusion to bold testimony and worship. His simple declaration says it all: "One thing I do know: that though I was blind, now I see." The Pharisees, claiming to have sight, remain in their darkness.
Wrap-Up These readings challenge us to see as God sees — judging by the heart, not outward appearances, and to embrace the transformation that comes from Christ's light. Like the man born blind, we are invited on a journey from spiritual darkness to full faith. Christ, the light of the world, calls us out of darkness into his marvelous light, making us children of light in all that is good, right, and true.
You can read the full reflection and Scripture texts on today's services webpage.
The podcast of today's service will be available later today on your favorite podcast platform, or you can listen here.
Upcoming events
- Join us for the Living Compass Lenten Study on Tuesdays at noon in classroom 1. You can bring your lunch along.
- Silent Film Night will take place on March 28, 2026, at 6 pm for our fifth season! We will screen two films: Spring Fever (1919) and The Life and Passion of Jesus Christ (1907). Bring a friend!
- Maundy Thursday service on April 2, 2026, at 6 pm with Canon Scott Leannah.
- Good Friday service on April 3, 2026, at 6 pm, also led by Canon Scott Leannah.
Don’t forget to review this week's announcements and the church calendar.
If you feel inspired to pray for others, we encourage you to include those on our prayer list in your prayers to help strengthen our community.
If you need inspiration for prayer, remember the Book of Common Prayer or these prayers to guide your prayer journey.
Blessings, and have a great week!
