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4th Sunday Lent |
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Contents: Volume 2 4th Sunday LENT
3/15/2026
1. -- Lanie LeBlanc OP - <lanie@leblanc.one>2. -- 3. --
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****************************************************** We hear/read two more familiar stories in the first and Gospel readings this Sunday. Underlying them both is the fact that God’s choices are not the same as human preferences or choices. How to figure out God’s way is the journey of a lifetime.
Most children’s pattern of growing up is to respond to requests or rules by following them, happily if they are accompanied by good role models and gentle folks when there are missteps. In teenage years, the “yes and no” parts become less obvious and more complicated by the “maybes” of needing thoughtful/prayerful judgment and discernment. Somewhere in adulthood, it can come as a shock of sorts to find out that just following the rules and obeying is often NOT what God truly wants!
The Good News is that there are faithful Christians who combine both the rules and seeking the intent God might have in following them or not. “Work hard and you will succeed in life” once seemed like a great way to proceed. That is not so, especially by God’s standards in many cases, where the replacement should be more of “let go and let God” be God.
Somewhere in my life’s journey as an educator, I once thought that adding a bunch of alphabet letters after my name would result in my becoming wise. After I earned a string of them came the last one, OP; that’s when I learned how foolish my thinking really was. God looks at the heart so we need to let our hearts be softened and molded so that they mirror and reflect God.
God’s choices to do or not to do often make us question God’s wisdom (and timing), but they ultimately astound us! God often chooses people like Jesse’s youngest son or a person born blind over the eldest/ first in line of heritage /prominent religious officials to show people the way to the Kingdom. Advanced degrees can add to one’s wisdom, but spending time with God and the Scriptures actually guides you to how God wants you to use the gifts you have been given
Is there someone you know who asks really good questions about really important “God” matters, things that matter to God? Is there someone who doesn’t say much, but when that person speaks, there is often reflective silence? Is there someone who talks a lot or has views that don’t match most other folks’ ? Sometimes we all belong to a changing group of people who just don’t listen when they should! Who needs to be listened to in your family, workplace, parish, community or social circle? They might be echoing the voice of God!!!
Blessings, Dr. Lanie LeBlanc OP Southern Dominican Laity
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****************************************************** ****************************************************** 4. ****************************************************** ****************************************************** 5. ****************************************************** Volume 2 is for you. These reflections follow the Liturgical Calendar and appear here about mid week each week. They are written by various guest authors. If you would like to submit a reflection of your own, then click here to send an email request to post to the Webmaster. Deadline is Monday morning of each week for the upcoming Sunday.
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A service of The Order of Preachers,
The Dominicans. (form revised 10/13/2025) |
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