JESUS CHRIST: THE LIGHT THAT CAME INTO THE WORLD OF DARKNESS
There are many themes in the readings of today but one that is very clear is that Jesus Christ is the light that came into the world of darkness. Last Sunday we saw the theme of Christ: Living Water that springs to eternal life. Christ was presented to us as the only one who can satisfy our hunger or our thirst. This fourth Sunday, Christ again gave himself as The Light of the world so that we do not live in the error or darkness of sin.
This is only when we admit to the fact that we are sinners who are blind spiritually to the truth. That is only when the grace and mercy of God come upon us to save us. Consequently, then, a self-righteous life is not only naughtiness of pride but exemption also from the mercy which is for sinners living in the darkness of sin and death spiritually.
LAETARE SUNDAY
The Fourth Sunday of Lent is known as “Laetare (Rejoice) Sunday,” expressing that the Christians and Church’s joy in anticipation of the Resurrection of our Lord is nearer than when we began the Lenten season.
The Fourth Sunday of Lent is known as “Laetare (Rejoice) Sunday,” expressing the Church’s joy in anticipation of the Resurrection of our Lord. Today’s readings remind us that it is God Who both gives us proper vision in the body as well as in the soul and instructs us that we should be constantly on our guard against spiritual blindness.
OUR THEME
The readings of this Sunday invite us to a deeper vision of God´s salvation especially, the Gospel of John usually represented by the ancient symbol of an eagle, signifying the deeper and profound theological meaning of its message on Christ and human salvation.
Today’s gospel invites us to a reality that only those who recognize their blindness, limitations or weaknesses in front of God can receive the fullness of grace and forgiveness from God.
So, this scene from the Gospel that we meditate on today invites us to consider what our attitude is: that of doctors who, proud, judge others, or that of that blind man who, aware of his needs and limitations, goes along seconding what Jesus he asks, to open up to his grace and the light of faith.
The readings of this fourth Sunday invite us to reflect on the theme of blindness which could be physical or spiritual.
FIRST READING: 1 SAMUEL 16:1, 6-7, 10-13
God´s choice and preference for King David over his brothers as king of Israel by Prophet Samuel is a clear lesson of God´s judgement in looking at the heart of men rather than the external appearances of men.
Prophet Samuel fell into the attitude of judging by appearance when he was on a mission to anoint the next king of Israel. Even though he was physically sound with a sight he was spiritually blind to the designs, ways, and thinking of God who sees the hearts more. 1 Sam. 16:1, 6-7, 10-13
SECOND READING: EPHESIANS 5:8-14
St. Paul reminds the Ephesians 5:8-14 of their new responsibility as children of light to live as children of the light, producing every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth.
St. Paul touched on the theme of light and darkness, invariably physical and spiritual blindness that characterizes our Christian existence, faith journey and faith experience. Thereby, inviting all to arise and embrace the work of light and God´s insight to overcoming darkness where Christ is not only the Good, the Right, and the Truth but also the Light that shines in the darkness. Ephesians 5:8-14
THE GOSPEL: JOHN 9:1-41
However, there is one exciting thing to note about the Gospel of John is that Jesus’ discussions and events are spiritual tests and judgments for the Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes, and high priests; the “wise men” who refused to recognize his blindness, limitations and ignorance before the Wisdom and Word of God. As such, they did not deserve God’s grace and mercy over their lives.
In other words, in the Gospel of John is that Jesus´ discourse with Jewish religious leaders was a trial and judgment on them. Jesus’ event with the blind man was a trial for the Jews who would not admit their ignorance, deficiency and sins to be helped by God´s grace and mercy.
On this ground, the gospel text of today a judgment over the Pharisees, elders, scribes and priests of the temple was on their refusal of the truth and the blindfolding pride that prevents them from seeing spiritually the goodness and mercy of God.
A VIVID EXAMINATION OF THE CHARACTERS OF THE STORY REVEAL TO US MUCH ABOUT EACH OF THEM:
1. The blind man himself with no previous clear knowledge of Christ, followed his instruction and got healed and even came to the rescue and defend Christ against religious bigotry and blasphemy. The loveliest progression in the blind man’s idea of Jesus is amazing and beautiful. It goes through three stages, each one higher than the last.
a. He called Jesus a man (John 9:11)
b. He went on to call Jesus a prophet. (John 9:17)
c. Finally the blind man came to confess that Jesus was the Son of God (John 9:39-40)
2. The man’s parents were very uncooperative and at the same afraid of the sanction or ex-communication of the Jewish leaders from the temple. Many men and women are conditioned by religious indoctrination to be afraid of religious leaders than God and blindly follow them and their manipulative errors against the truth and goodness of God.
3. The Pharisees who were suspicious of the man´s blindness, accused Jesus of healing or doing good on Sabbath day, superficially acknowledged the goodness of God and negated his intermediary Jesus Christ as a sinner and enemy of the religious traditions. They out rightly refused the truth of God´s goodness and abusively used the religious authority to abuse, insult, intimidate and silence living testimony of the goodness of God.
4. Lastly, we see Jesus Christ who acknowledged that he must go on doing good of fulfilling God’s will no matter the obstacles, twists, or oppositions of men like the Pharisees. However, truth and goodness refute their errors and religious bigotry.
The Pharisees´ condemnation is in their claimed knowledge to know too much of God, and their refusal to see God´s goodness acting to redeem humankind. These are the facts of the Christian life:
SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS
The condemnation or judgment of the religious leaders lies in their pretended knowledge of knowing too much of God, and their refusal to see the goodness of God acting to redeem humanity. These are the facts of the Christian life that we can contemplate from the gospel.
a. Only the man who realizes his weakness can become strong.
b. Only the man who realizes his blindness can learn to see.
C. Only the man who realizes his sin can be forgiven.
According to Fr Munachi Ezeogu, Cssp, The mission statement that Jesus gives in the Gospel of today is valid not only for the Pharisees but also for the men and women of our time. To learn from Jesus we must first admit our ignorance, to be healed we must first acknowledge our blindness, to be forgiven we must confess our sins.
OUR PRAYER
Lord Jesus Christ, in our pride, ignorance and stubbornness of heart, we are not only blind to the truth and goodness of God but also poor in grace and limited by ourselves to reach the infinity of your mercy and forgiveness. May our constant encounter with you in prayer, penance, charity and the sacraments help us to find you: Christ, the Son of God who came to enlighten us, teach us and save us. Amen
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