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March 18, 2023As we begin the fourth week of Lent, our scripture reading focuses on God’s love for us. Often times things happen in life that are outside of our control, and it is not easy to let go of worry, anxiety, fear, and sadness and to trust. No matter what happens, our scripture readings invite us to trust, to continue journeying in faith.
In our gospel, we encounter Jesus giving sight to a person who was born into blindness. Rather than simply recounting the details of a miracle, St. John gives us a story designed to draw us in, to help us understand how Jesus enters our lives, offering us healing and peace.
An important detail to note is the fact that the blind person never asked to be healed. It was Jesus who took the initiative. This blind person symbolizes you and me – our blindness, the stumbling blocks we face in life, and our need for healing. God sees into our hearts, understands our fear and anxiety, and offers healing and love, even when we don’t recognize the need.
We all have a story. We’ve all done things we’ve regretted. Embracing the cross is part of our faith journey. God never promised us easy lives without pain, setbacks, and challenges, but God did promise to be with us, to walk with us no matter where we find ourselves. The challenges we face are an opportunity for us to renew our faith and respond to adversity with faith and dignity. Our relationship with Jesus is a process that involves struggles, of falling and getting back up. Our journey involves beginnings and endings, happiness and pain. As many times as we fall, we have the opportunity to get back up and begin again and to continue to walk in the Light of Christ.
As we continue our Lenten Journey, I encourage you to think about today’s scripture readings throughout the week. Never forget that God is with us. Remember the words of our Psalm reading: “The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want.” God is calling us to journey not just toward the cross, but also to the joy of the resurrection.
May God bless you and your loved ones today, tomorrow, and forevermore.
Fr. Harry
