FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT, YEAR A

1 Samuel 16:1,6-7,10-13

Psalm 23

Ephesians 5:8-14

John 9:1-41

THE AMAZING GRACE

The fourth Sunday of Lent is known as the “Lætare Sunday” (Sunday of rejoicing). On this Sunday, the liturgy invites us to rejoice as an anticipation of the Easter joy. As such, the gospel narrates the story about the man born blind, who found the joy of living thanks to the amazing healing grace of Jesus. The words of Paul in the second reading are thus appropriate in relation to this story: “You were darkness once, but now you are light in the Lord.” The first reading also highlights the role of divine illumination in our lives; for by divine illumination, Samuel anointed David, though a young boy, to be the future king of Israel.

It could be observed therefore that today’s readings have a clear relation to baptism, which is also called “Enlightenment.” In baptism, we are enlightened, made children of the light and called to radiate the light of Christ through good deeds and right living. Moreover, like King David, we are anointed in the Holy Spirit and incorporated into Christ who is Priest, King and Prophet.

In this respect, I would like to highlight two things in relation to today’s liturgy. First, we are invited to change our look of people and events. It is true that we may not be physically blind, but often we suffer from the “pharisaic blindness”, that is, the inability to recognize the hand or works of God and pretend to know God’s intentions. We judge and condemn others on the basis of appearances and prejudices. Envy and jealousy blind us to the point that we fail to see the good in others and appreciate them.

Second, Christ is the Light of the world; he is calling us to live in his light. He is able to heal our various forms of blindness and reveal in us the glory of God. Thus, in difficulties and trying moments, let us trust him and not give in to fear and panic. Let us be always connected to him and find in him the source of our joy. May he enlighten and open our eyes of faith, so that we may recognize his healing and transforming presence even in the moments of darkness. Amen