Christ is the way to the light, the truth, and the life

On the Fourth Sunday of Lent our Church invites us to first read and reflect on a passage from the book of Leviticus (8:1-17; 9:22-24) entitled "The ordination of the priests". Our treasure, which follows, is from a treatise on John by Saint Augustine, bishop. Saint Augustine was born at Tagaste in Africa in 354. He was unsettled and restlessly searched for the truth until he was converted to the faith in Milan and baptized by Ambrose. Returning to his homeland, he embraced an ascetic life and subsequently was elected bishop of Hippo. For thirty-four years he guided his flock, instructing it with sermons and many writings. Saint Augustine is perhaps the most significant Christian thinker after St. Paul. He adapted Classical teaching and created a powerful theological system of lasting influence. He also shaped the practice of biblical exegesis and helped lay the foundation for much of medieval and modern Christian thought. Saint Augustine of Hippo made his primary contribution to the teachings of the Catholic Church by deeply explaining the relationship between God's grace and human salvation. In response to errors such as Pelagianism, he taught that humanity, wounded by sin, cannot save itself but is restored through the grace of God working within us. Augustine clarified the Church's understanding of original sin, divine grace, and the need for God's initiative in conversion, while also shaping Christian thought on the Trinity, the Church, and the inner life of the soul. His writings—especially the Confessions and The City of God—became foundational for Western Christian theology and continue to guide the Church's understanding of sin, grace, and redemption. He fought bravely against the errors of his time and explained the Faith carefully and cogently through his writings. He is a preeminent Catholic Doctor of the Church. His most important teachings shape not only Western theology but the entire intellectual tradition of the Church. His thought deeply influenced later figures such as Saint Thomas Aquinas and remains foundational in Catholic doctrine. He died in 430. Tractates on the Gospel of John by Augustine of Hippo is a collection of sermons in which Augustine carefully explains the meaning of the Gospel of John to ordinary Christians. In these reflections he guides believers through the words and signs of Jesus Christ, helping them understand both the literal meaning of the text and its deeper spiritual message. These tractates, then give us a glimpse of the man that we do not often get from his other works. Augustine's preaching shows us not only his brilliant mind and rhetorical skills as he expounds upon the Scriptures but also the great love he had for Christ and for the faithful entrusted to his care. The primary purpose of the work is to help Christians grow in faith by recognizing that Christ is truly the Son of God and the source of eternal life. Augustine shows that the Gospel invites believers not only to understand Christ intellectually but to believe in Him, love Him, and live in union with Him. The name "Leviticus" was given to the third book of the Pentateuch by the ancient Greek translators because a good part of this book deals with concerns of the priests, who are of the tribe of Levi. The name "Leviticus" was given to the third book of the Pentateuch by the ancient Greek translators because a good part of this book deals with concerns of the priests, who are of the tribe of Levi. The primary message of the Book of Leviticus is that God is holy, and His people are called to live in holiness in every aspect of life. Through laws about worship, sacrifice, moral conduct, and daily living, God teaches Israel how to remain in right relationship with Him and with one another. At its heart is the call: "Be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy" (Lev 19:2), showing that holiness involves not only proper worship but also justice, mercy, and love for neighbor. The book reveals that approaching God requires reverence, repentance, and purification, while also pointing forward to the deeper fulfillment of sacrifice and holiness in Jesus Christ.