By Bishop Guy Sansaricq
1 Samuel 16, 1-13; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5, 8-14; John 9, 1-41
Easter is no longer far away. The Church wants to prepare us as thoroughly as possible for a fruitful celebration of this the greatest annual Christian celebration. The point made today is that JESUS IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD.
The first reading calls us to meditate on the election of David as king of Israel. Jesse his own father did not even think of introducing him to Samuel as a candidate for God’s choice. Yet, God chose him in preference to his good looking brothers because “man looks to the appearance but God looks at the heart.” We too like God must learn TO SEE the great things that exist beyond all appearances.
The colorful story of the healing of the blind man brings forth the key lesson of the day. This poor wreck of a man was born blind. He represents all of us who always fail to see what’s beyond appearances. When he recovered his sight, he became a new man. We too stand in need of new eyes to see what escapes the naked eye. That new vision is given to those who come to Christ with a sincere heart.
“YOU TOO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT JESUS IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD”
Opposing the blind man are the Pharisees who pretending to know it all prove themselves to be the real blind men. As we approach EASTER, we are called to acknowledge our radical blindness to God’s grace and mercy. We are called to go to confession like the blind man who was cured by Jesus. Stubbornness in evil leads nowhere. A humble sincere heart opens for us the gates of NEW LIFE!
“You were once darkness but now you are light in the Lord. Live as Children of light”
“Awake O sleeper and arise from the dead and Christ will give you light” (2nd Reading)