Fourth Sunday of Lent
1Sam. 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a | Ps. 23:1-6 | Eph. 5:8-14 | John 9:1-41
Today is Laetare Sunday. The church celebrates this fourth Sunday of Lent as a day of rejoicing because we are now half-way to Easter. This is a time to celebrate. All the readings point us in the direction of Light–that is–Christ, the Light of the World. Christ tells us that the Light dispels the darkness. Christ also reminds us that we do not always see things as He does. This is also a key element of the reading from Samuel. Samuel is to anoint the next king; and, as he meets Jesse’s sons, he picks one after the other. God tells him that he does not see the interior of a person as God does, and so he must rely on God to reveal who the next king is to be.
Paul reminds us that we were made new through our Baptism and, therefore, we should work with the grace and light that we have received from that Baptism. When we do so, we will be guided to do the correct deed. Let Christ be our light and guide.
The Gospel tells the story of the healing of the man born blind. Christ, the Light, brings him healing and sight. Jesus came to bring all of us the eyesight to see anew. We must be open and ready to see. When we refuse to see because what we are led to does not fit our pre-designed expectations, then we will be blind.
Take time to reflect on your openness to God. Are you open to God’s surprises? Are you willing to be changed? Ask Jesus to lead you to the Light and to give you His vision.