Lenten Reflection Day 23

The readings for this 4th weekend of Lent are about seeing. In the first reading from Samuel (1 SM 16: 1B, 6-7, 10-13 A) we read the account of the Lord asking Samuel to travel to Jesse in Bethlehem where God’s chosen king will be revealed to him. When he arrives he looks over Jesse’s sons and is surprised that God desires none of those he sees, rather God choose the absent son, David, who was away tending sheep at the time. God tells Samuel “Not as man sees does God see.” The second reading from Ephesians (EPH 5: 8-14) Paul reminds us that as God’s children we are lightbearers, bringing His light into the world. Light by it’s very nature dispels darkness and makes visible the things that were once in shadow. Finally, the Gospel selection is a story we all know well. JN 9: 1-41, Jesus cures the blind man. Jesus uses his own saliva mixed with the dirt of the earth, smears it across the blind man’s eyes, and has him to wash his face. Of coarse, after this cleansing with water, the man’s eyes are opened. The common thread through all of these readings is sight. The limitations of our human ability to see is juxtaposed with God’s ability to see deeper within us, to our cores. Samuel is guided by God to choose from among Jesse’s sons a leader for His people. To Samuel’s eyes, he thinks that any one of Jesse’s sons, standing before him, could do the job. Their outward appearance being the primary influencer for Samuel. But the Lord tells him that God odes not see as humans see, and thus he sends of David and upon seeing him is reassured of God’s plan. John’s Gospel account is multilayered in meaning. First, Jesus explains to his disciples that it was not because of sin that the man was blind from birth, but he was made so as a means of glorifying God. God’s purposes are always greater and this man’s life was a testament to this. Jesus pities the man and decides to heal him. Having the man to wash himself with water, a parallel to the life-giving properties of water as a spiritual cleansing given to us at Baptism. When the Pharisees see the man they immediately send for his parents, as they are unable to believe what they see. They deny Jesus ‘s divinity and label him as a sinner. It is here the blind man makes a beautiful decree and bold testimony, “This is what is so amazing, that you do not know where he is from, yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if one is devout and does his will, he listens to him. It is unheard of that anyone ever opened the eyes of a person born blind. IF this man were not from God, he would not be able to do anything.” It is after the blind man’s eyes are opened that Jesus shares his identity with the man who then worships him. The message for us is challenging. We must see with our eyes of faith. We must not be too quick to judge others by physical appearance and their outward actions alone. When we recognized God’s works and blessings we cannot forget to recognize the goodness of God and thank Him for his generosity. May our eyes be open this week to the many wonders of our God. May we look past the physical appearances of others and strive to see Christ who lives within them. May God have mercy on us for the times we were blinded by our own prejudices or misunderstandings and failed to see Him in is great works. May he help us to be His lightbearers in our darkened world.
Blessings to You and Yours!