Fourth Sunday of Lent
The Common Worship lectionary readings for Fourth Sunday of Lent in Year B, the liturgical colour, and what changes in the order of service.
Year BLentpurple
The readings
- First reading
- Numbers 21:4-9
- Psalm
- Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22
- Second reading
- Ephesians 2:1-10
- Gospel
- John 3:14-21
Citations follow the Revised Common Lectionary as used in the Church of England's Common Worship principal service lectionary. Verse numbering can differ very slightly between Bible translations.
The liturgical colour
Purple marks the two preparatory seasons, Advent and Lent: penitence, restraint, waiting. On this Sunday the colour is purple.
What changes in the service
The Gloria is omitted and a Tract replaces the Alleluia acclamation before the Gospel.
In SundayHQ this is the lent template shape. You set your order of service once; when the season turns, one click applies the seasonal change and leaves the rest of your parish's own wording alone.
Hymns that fit these readings
Suggestions matched to the readings above, each with the reason it was chosen:
- Opening — Lord, who throughout these forty days Lenten discipline, without gloom
- Gradual — There is a green hill far away 'As Moses lifted up the serpent, so must the Son of Man be lifted up'
- Offertory — O love that wilt not let me go Lenten surrender at the table
- Communion — Just as I am, without one plea Coming as we are, which is the season's point
- Final — O Jesus, I have promised Quiet Lenten commitment
When it next falls
| Date | Liturgical year |
|---|---|
| 7 March 2027 | Year B |
| 31 March 2030 | Year B |
| 27 March 2033 | Year B |
| 23 March 2036 | Year B |
Year B comes round every three years. The date moves because the whole calendar hangs off Easter.
The same Sunday in the other years
Questions
What are the readings for Fourth Sunday of Lent in Year B?
First reading Numbers 21:4-9; Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22; second reading Ephesians 2:1-10; Gospel John 3:14-21.
What colour is worn on Fourth Sunday of Lent?
Purple. Purple marks the two preparatory seasons, Advent and Lent: penitence, restraint, waiting.
Which season is Fourth Sunday of Lent in?
Lent. Forty days of preparation for Easter. Purple, no Gloria, and a Tract in place of the Alleluia.