Scripture Reflection - March 15, 2026

Fourth Sunday of Lent

First Reading: 1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a

Second Reading: Ephesians 5:8-14

Gospel: John 9:1-41

Our eyesight is amazing- even in the dark! Think of yourself awakening in the middle of the night and seeing only darkness. A short moment later, you can amazingly see outlines of that which is in front of you.

I don’t know the science of the eye, but it does sound like the Faith Vision we are given—when we tap into it and with the help of God’s Grace.

Think of today’s first reading. God guides Samuel in choosing a King from Jesse’s family. God says “Do not judge his appearance…man sees the appearance, but the Lord looks into the heart.” And Samuel, following God’s guidance, anoints David, who was not even present at the beginning. Faith Vision brings us beyond our first thoughts and decisions. We know that this led to the David and Goliath experience, still looked upon today as a vision beyond expectations. It actually was my first Bible story, which still sticks with me today. I would say that our experiences and Scripture can have much influence to shape our Faith vision.

We often connect vision, whether physical or spiritual, with light as well as enlightenment.  Psalm 23, Sunday’s Responsorial Psalm, promises and fulfills: “Even though I walk in the dark valley, I fear no evil, for You are at my side.” We know, as individuals, as well as collectively as Americans, and globally, that there is a dark side we are witnessing today. The Gospel reminds us of the darkness of the blind person who now sees. Jesus washed away the blind person’s darkness.

What can get in the way of our seeing? What can block our crossover from darkness to the light of seeing? What within might be blocking our way? We can, unseen to us, be blinded by our emotions and culturally by our beliefs and behaviors, or possibly our politics, or unchecked loyalties. At times, again often hidden from us, we may be too much the teacher, and in our striving to be right, we may not leave room to learn and listen. We may over-identify with being the parent, the judge, or the perfectionist, possibly blocking deeper reflection of the situation.

God has given us an evolving consciousness, confirming the call of our reading today.  “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” And that Light is not meant for us alone, but, as the blind person today says “One thing I do know is that I was blind and now I see,” with Jesus adding to the experience and call: “It is so that the works of God might be visible through him.”

In the dark times of these days, will God’s works be visible through me, through us? Living in wakefulness and freedom from that which enslaves us within; living in promise and hope; living in actions toward justice and harmony. In this journey from Lent to Easter, will we, who are blind see—evolving to a new consciousness by the Grace of God? Will we contribute to the Resurrection in our time of need?  Pray, God, we will!

Sr. Jo-Anne Faillace, OP