Fourth Sunday of Lent: March 15, 2026
Readings: 1 Samuel 16:1, 6–7, 10–13; Psalm 23:1–6; Ephesians 5:8–14; John 9:1–41
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| Jesus is healing a blind man |
Often, it is difficult to see the good in others. Human nature tends to react with jealousy, anxiety, and many questions when something good happens in another person’s life. It may seem strange, yet it is often true. Unfortunately, the prosperity of one person sometimes becomes the cause of heartburn for another. There are people who try to malign the name of someone who is good and sincerely striving to make a difference in his own life and in the lives of others. Wickedness and evil, in subtle ways, seem to be part of the human condition. While we strive to do good, there is often a contrary impulse within us that pulls us in the opposite direction. This week, the Church celebrates Laetare Sunday, which falls on the Fourth Sunday of Lent. As we reach the middle of our Lenten journey, the Church invites us to rejoice. Christ comes as the Light of the world, entering the darkness of human life to restore sight. The healing of the man born blind by Jesus becomes a subject of intense dispute, especially among the Pharisees, who were unable to recognize the goodness present before them.
1. Healing: A journey of encounter
The Gospel of John 9:1–41, presents the powerful story of the healing of the man born blind. At one level, it is a miracle story, but at a deeper level, it is a revelation about spiritual sight and spiritual blindness. The physical healing becomes a sign pointing to a deeper transformation that Jesus desires for every human person.
The disciples begin with a question that reflects a common way of thinking: “Who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” They assume that suffering must be the direct result of sin. Jesus rejects this logic, which often Charismatic preachers are fond of repeating! Jesus shifts the focus from blame to God’s action. The man’s condition becomes the occasion for God’s works to be revealed. In doing so, Jesus invites us to move away from judging others’ suffering and instead to see how God can bring grace, healing, and new life even through human brokenness.
2. Unending struggles on the way to healing
Jesus heals the blind man in a very simple yet symbolic way. He makes mud, places it on the man’s eyes, and tells him to wash in the pool of Siloam. The man obeys, and he begins to see. Often, faith involves trust and obedience before we fully understand what God is doing. The man does not question or argue like that, Naaman in the book of Kings; he simply follows Jesus’ word. His willingness to respond opens the door to transformation.
After the healing, the story unfolds through a series of encounters, perhaps not very happy encounters. The neighbours are confused, the Pharisees investigate, and the healed man is repeatedly questioned. Ironically, those who believe they can see clearly—the religious authorities—become increasingly blind to the truth. They are unable to recognize the work of God because they are trapped in rigid assumptions and fear of losing their authority. They ask unnecessary questions, including to the mother of the healed man.
3. Growing in the knowledge of God takes time
The understanding of the healed man about the person of Jesus grows. First, he refers to Jesus simply as “the man called Jesus.” Later, he calls Him a prophet. Finally, when Jesus reveals Himself as the Son of Man, the healed man responds with faith and worship. His physical sight becomes the beginning of a journey of faith, moving from ignorance to recognition, and from recognition to belief. As one delves deeper into the mystery of God, one's understanding grows.
This Gospel is a test for us. Spiritual blindness does not always come from lack of knowledge; sometimes it comes from pride, prejudice, or refusal to change. We may believe we see clearly, yet fail to recognize God’s presence in unexpected places. The Pharisees are confident in their certainty, but their certainty prevents them from encountering the truth standing before them. Sometimes, it's good to trust in the testimonies of simple ones. We must never forget that only when we are open to God, grace works in us.
Questions for self-reflection:
- In what areas of my life might I be spiritually blind, unable or unwilling to see God’s presence and action?
- Do I sometimes judge others’ suffering or struggles, like the disciples did, instead of responding with compassion and understanding?
- Am I willing to witness to what God has done in my life, as the healed man courageously did before others?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus,
You are the Light of the world who opened the eyes of the man born blind. Come into the darkness of our hearts and heal our spiritual blindness. Remove from us all pride, prejudice, and fear that prevent us from seeing Your truth. Give us the grace to trust in Your word, to recognize Your presence in our lives, and to witness courageously to the light You bring.
As we continue our Lenten journey, open our eyes to Your love, so that we may see others with compassion and walk always in Your light. May we, like the man you healed, grow in faith and say with sincerity, “Lord, I believe.” We make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.
- Fr Olvin Veigas, SJ
E-mail: olvinveigas@jesuits.net
Blog: Celebrate Faith
Video: YouTube
12 March 2026
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