Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Readings of the Day

“One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.”

This verse is the Gospel acclamation for today’s Mass readings, and it calls to mind Jesus’ response to the devil’s first temptation that we hear on first Sunday of Lent. It acclaims the prophetic mission of Jesus, the revelation of the Father, whose message forthrightly proclaimed “every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

Jesus’ words are foreshadowed in today’s first reading from Wisdom. Those who heard them complained how the “just one” censured their thoughts and reproached them for their transgressions, but announced as blessed “the destiny of the just.”

In the ministries of Catholic Charities, we too are called to be that prophetic voice of Jesus, boldly proclaiming words “that come from the mouth of God.” It is this proclamation that calls to mind for me words attributed to St. Francis of Assisi: “Preach the Gospel always. When necessary, use words.”

Our charitable, compassionate, merciful, and just acts are like “the words that come forth from the mouth of God” as they proclaim the Good News of the Gospel- the Gospel of charity, the Gospel of mercy, the Gospel of justice, the Gospel of forgiveness, the Gospel of peace, the Gospel of life.

Fr. Dennis M. Weber, SdC, is Director of Ministry and Mission, Developmental Programs Division, Catholic Social Services, Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

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