On this fourth Sunday of Lent, we celebrate Laetare Sunday, or Sunday of Joy. The liturgy invites us to rejoice because Easter is near, presenting to us the great sign of the healing of the man born blind (John 9:1–41). Jesus reveals Himself as the light of the world who dispels the darkness and invites us to move from physical and spiritual blindness to the fullness of faith.
To help you pray with this Gospel, we present below the five points we reflected on in the podcast (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwZvIwjlR18), which you may watch to deepen your reflection.
- “Who sinned?”
Before the man born blind, the disciples ask: “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” (John 9:2). This question reflects the human tendency to look for someone to blame for illnesses and painful events in life. Jesus corrects this view that “God punishes,” showing that evil should not be seen as a direct punishment for personal sins or those of our ancestors. We should not look for “scapegoats” in our trials or accidents, recognizing that God can bring a greater good even from the most difficult situations. Of course, some sins can cause physical illness, just as the Sacrament of Confession is an occasion not only of spiritual healing but also of physical healing.
- The Works of the Father
Jesus affirms that the blindness of that man served so that the “works of God” might be manifested in him (John 9:3). The supreme work of the Father is Jesus Himself, the One who is sent (cf. John 3:17; 6:38; 10:36). Many times, we run the risk of following the Lord only because of what He does — miracles and graces — instead of following Him for who He is. Meditating on this point means asking whether the center of our prayer is Christ Himself or merely the feelings and benefits we expect from Him.
- The Attitudes of the Healed Man
When instructed by Jesus, the blind man shows immediate obedience, going to wash in the Pool of Siloam (which means: Sent). This attitude of docility to the Word is what allows the miracle. Later, when questioned by the Pharisees, he maintains an attitude of honesty and courage, testifying to what he experienced without allowing himself to be intimidated by the pressure of the Jewish authorities. The healed man teaches us that faith requires action and fidelity to the experience we have had with the Lord. And the final attitude of the healed man was one of adoration when he recognized that the One who had healed him was the Son of Man, a divine title.
- The Encounter and Jesus’ Question
After the healed man is expelled from the community, Jesus goes to meet him and asks the fundamental question: “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” (John 9:35). This second encounter shows that the Lord never abandons us, especially when we are persecuted because of the truth. Jesus does not heal only physical eyes; He seeks to heal the heart, leading the man to a personal encounter with Him that transforms his vision of the world and of his own life.
- The Response of Faith: “I Believe, Lord”
The Gospel culminates in Jesus’ self-revelation: “You have seen Him; He is the one speaking with you,” and in the man’s profession of faith: “I believe, Lord!” (John 9:37–38), accompanied by an act of adoration. While the Pharisees, who could see physically, remain blind because of their pride and self-sufficiency, the one who was blind comes to see the light of truth. This “seeing and believing” of the evangelist (here and on other occasions such as the appearance to Thomas) is reversed: it is through faith that we begin to see reality with the eyes of God.
Steps of Lectio Divina
- Reading (lectio): Read carefully John 9:1–41. Notice the difference between the physical sight the blind man gains and the spiritual sight the Pharisees lose throughout the account. Review the attitudes of the healed man.
- Meditation (meditatio): Have I been seeking “culprits” for my sufferings, or have I allowed God to manifest His work in them? Have I obeyed the promptings of the Spirit? Where do I feel that I am still “blind” and need Jesus to touch my eyes with His grace? Do I seek the Lord’s miracles or the Lord who performs miracles?
- Prayer (oratio): Pray, for example, like this: “Lord Jesus, Light of the world, heal my spiritual blindness. Grant me the grace to recognize You present in my history, especially in moments of misunderstanding. I believe, Lord, but increase my faith…” (continue your prayer as the Spirit inspires you).
- Contemplation (contemplatio): Contemplate the image of Jesus bending down to touch the blind man. Feel the joy of Laetare Sunday flood your soul as you realize that the light of Christ is stronger than any darkness.
- Action (actio): During this week of joy, try to bring a ray of light to someone who is going through a moment of “darkness” (loneliness, illness, or doubt), bearing witness with simplicity to God’s action in your life.
Until next week!
Shalom!
