Sunday, March 31st
Scripture
1 Sm 16: 1b, 6-7, 10-13a
Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6(1)
Eph 5: 8-14
Jn 9: 1-41
Reflection
Surely we are not also blind, are we? Jn. 9:40 [If the shoe fits!]
Although our Sunday readings are from Cycle C this liturgical year, today we are asked to reflect on the Cycle A readings that our brothers and sisters who are preparing for full sacramental initiation—through baptism, confirmation and Eucharist—will, too, be focusing. Our “Elected” brothers and sisters will be celebrating the 2nd Scrutiny this weekend using these readings with the theme of darkness/light, blindness/sight. We who are baptized are, too, asked to do a bit of “scrutinizing” and reflection of our lives.
We can find ourselves blinded by presumptions, as Samuel was when he was instructed to anoint one of Jesse’s sons. We can find ourselves blinded by fear, as the healed man’s parents were when asked to testify about their son. We can find ourselves blinded by self-righteousness, as the Pharisees were as they interrogated the healed man.
What other blindness’s are there? We can find ourselves blinded by political ideologies, blinded by pride, blinded by familiarity, blinded by greed, blinded by race or culture or language. May Jesus heal our blindnesses whether we want him to or not.
Prayer
“Ask me not how! But I know who has opened up new worlds to me: This Jesus does what none can do— I once was blind, and now I see.”
(Fred Pratt Green, © 1982; set to music by David Haas © 1988)
Personal Challenge
Live as children of light!
Janice Grochowsky, CSJ
Dodge City, KS
