Lord's Anointed One Heals Definitely

 4th Sunday of Lent: March 19, 2023

Readings: 1 Samuel 16:1, 6–7, 10–13; Psalm 23:1–6; Ephesians 5:8–14; John 9:1–41

Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind 
To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/jNxb_TkliqY 

The fourth Sunday of Lent is traditionally known as Laetare Sunday, which means "rejoice" in Latin. This day serves as a midpoint of the Lenten season and offers a brief respite from the penitential tone of the previous three weeks. On this Laetare Sunday, we are reminded that even in the midst of our struggles and difficulties, there is always a reason to rejoice; because of the promise of new life and the hope of Easter, which is just a few short weeks away. The liturgical readings of this Sunday capture the essence of this joy and hope as we delve deeper.

1. Jesus heals those who have faith

The Gospel reading John 9:1-41 tells the story of a man born blind who is healed by Jesus. God’s ways of seeing are not our ways. The born blind man comes to see where as Pharisees are made blind. Jesus is the new source of life-giving to those who are blind. The passage is rich with spiritual and theological implications, and here are some points to take home.

a. The power of God to heal: In this passage, Jesus demonstrates the power of God to heal even the most impossible situations. The blind man's condition was thought to be permanent, but Jesus was able to restore his sight. It's a lesson to us that God's power knows no bounds, and He is able to bring healing and restoration to our lives, no matter how difficult our circumstances may be. Often, our minds are so corrupt we term such birth defects or health issues as the curse of God. (I myself confronted with this question on my sick bed, please read this blog post!) Our God is not revengeful but of compassion and healing!

b. The importance of faith: The blind man's healing was not just a physical one, but it also required faith. Jesus tells him to go wash in the pool of Siloam, and the man obediently does so, even though he couldn't see where he was going. His faith in Jesus' ability to heal him was what allowed him to receive his sight. This highlights the importance of faith in our own lives, as it allows us to trust in God's plans for us and to receive His blessings.

c. The blindness of those who claim to see: In this story, the Pharisees represent those who claim to see and know the truth, but in reality, they are blind to the truth that is right in front of them. They refuse to believe that Jesus could have healed the blind man, even though they witness it themselves. This is a warning to us not to become so entrenched in our beliefs and traditions that we become blind to the truth and miss out on the work of God in our lives.

d. The light of the world: Jesus refers to himself as the "light of the world" in this passage. This is a powerful metaphor that speaks to the transformative power of Christ's presence in our lives. Just as light dispels darkness, Jesus' presence in our lives can bring hope, joy, and peace that overcomes any darkness we may be facing.

Overall, this passage reminds us of the power of God to heal and transform our lives, the importance of faith in receiving God's blessings, and the dangers of becoming blind to the truth. It is a call to recognize our own spiritual blindness and to open our eyes to the grace and mercy of God. It also points us to Jesus as the light of the world, who brings hope and healing to all who seek Him.

2. Transformation through faith in Jesus Christ
St Paul's letter to Ephesians 5:8-14 is a passage that speaks to the spiritual transformation that occurs when we come to faith in Christ. Here are some thoughts on this passage:

a. Walking in the light: The passage begins by encouraging us to walk in the light, which is a metaphor for living a life that is pleasing to God. This involves putting away the works of darkness and living in a way that is consistent with God's character. As Christians, we are called to reflect the light of Christ in our lives, so that others can see the goodness and grace of God at work in us.

b. A new creation: Verse 10 tells us that we are created in Christ Jesus for good works. This reminds us that when we come to faith in Christ, we become a new creation. It's a fresh start always. The old has passed away, and the new has come. We are given a new identity in Christ and are called to live out that identity in the world. Our good works are a reflection of the grace and love of God at work in us.

c. Reproving darkness: The passage goes on to speak about how our lives can serve as a reproach to the works of darkness. When we live in the light and walk in righteousness, it exposes the darkness for what it is. This means that our lives can serve as a witness to the truth of God's word and the reality of His kingdom.

d. Awaken from sleep: Finally, the passage encourages us to awake from our spiritual sleep and to arise from the dead. This is a call to spiritual revival, to awaken to the reality of God's presence in our lives and to live in the fullness of His grace and love.

Overall, these passages remind us of the transformative power of Christ's love in our lives. As we walk in the light and live out our new identity in Christ, we are called to be a witness to the truth of God's Word and to the reality of His kingdom.  As we continue our Lenten journey, may we find strength in our faith and in the support of our community. May we be filled with gratitude for the blessings in our lives, and may we be inspired to share those blessings with others. 

A few questions for self-reflection

1. Do I truly believe in the power of God to heal and transform my life? Do I trust in His plans for me, even when they don't align with my own?
2. Have I allowed Jesus to be the "light of my world"? Do I allow His presence to bring hope and healing to my life, and do I reflect that light to others?
3. Am I open to the spiritual transformation that comes with faith in Christ? Am I willing to put away the works of darkness and live a life that is pleasing to God?
4. Am I awakened to the reality of God's presence in my life? Do I live in the fullness of His grace and love, or am I spiritually asleep?

These questions are intended to encourage self-reflection and spiritual growth, as we seek to deepen our relationship with God and live out His purpose for our lives.

Prayer based on Psalm 23

Dear Lord,

Thank you for being our shepherd, guiding us through the ups and downs of life. We are grateful for your provision, your protection, and your love. We trust that even in the darkest valleys, you are with us, leading us to green pastures and still waters.

Please help us to hear your voice and follow your leading. May your goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our lives, and may we dwell in your presence forever. In Jesus' Holy Name, we pray, Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

March 17, 2023