4th Sunday of Lent

03-15-2026Weekly ReflectionFr. Albert

In Today's Gospel, Jesus encounters a man who has been blind from birth. The disciples immediately ask a question that many people still ask today. "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind? Their question reveals a common belief at the time- that suffering must be punishment for sin.But Jesus rejects that idea completely. He says: "Neither he nor his parents sinned, it is so that the works of God be made visible through him."

Right away, Jesus shifts the focus from blame to purpose. instead of asking "Who is responsible for this suffering?" Jesus invites us to ask "How can God's grace be revealed here?" This is an important lesson for us today. Too often we look at hardship and immediately search for someone to blame- ourselves, others, or even God. But Jesus teaches us that God can work through every situation, even painful ones.

Jesus then does something unusual. He spits on the ground, makes mud, places it on the man's eyes and tells him to wash in the pool in Siloam. The mud reminds us of creation. In the book of Genesis, God formed humanity from the dust of the earth. By using mud, Jesus acts like the Creator again - restoring sight to someone who had never seen before. This miracle is not just healing; it is a new creation. And notice the man's obedience. Even though he cannot see, he trusts Jesus enough to go wash in the pool. His healing begins with faithful action.

One of the most beautiful parts of this Gospel is how the man's understanding of Jesus grows step by step. At first, he calls Jesus "the man called Jesus" Later he says Jesus is prophet. Finally, when he meets Jesus again, he proclaims, "Lord, I believe." His physical sight leads to spiritual sight. Faith often grows this way in our lives as well. Rarely do we understand everything about God. Immediately, instead, we grow gradually - through experience, reflection, and encounters with Christ.

Another remarkable aspect of the story is the courage of the healed man. He is questioned by the authorities, abandoned by his neighbours and even his parents are afraid to defend him, yet he boldly says; "One thing I do know; I was blind and now I see." This is one of the simplest and most powerful testimonies in Scripture. He does not have theological training. He cannot explain everything about Jesus. But he knows what Jesus has done for him.

After the man is cast out by the religious leaders, Jeus seeks him out. The healing reaches its true completion - not when the man receives physical sight, but when he recognizes who Jesus truly is. All of us experience moments of blindness - times when we cannot see God clearly . Yet Jesus continues to come to us, touch our lives and invite us to wash in the waters of faith. When we allow Christ to open our eyes, we begin to see the world differently; with compassion, hope, and trust in God's presence. may we have the humility to admit when we are blind, the courage to follow Christ and the faith to proclaim with joy.