Reflection for Fourth Sunday of Lent with REV. FR. JOHN MGBEAHAURIKE, SMMM

Reflection for Fourth Sunday of Lent with REV. FR. JOHN MGBEAHAURIKE, SMMM

 CHRIST, THE LIGHT OF OUR LIFE

(4th Sunday of Lent, Year A

1 Sam 16:1b. 6-7.10-13a - Ps 23 - Eph 5:8 - Jn 9:1-41)

Today is called LAETARE SUNDAY. Laetare is a Latin word which means "REJOICE." The Church calls us to rejoice, thus making us to have a feel of the Easter Joy, the Joy of the RESURRECTION. The human person is made from the dust and the breathing of God (Gen. 2:7). The human soul (in which we resemble God as the Catechism teaches us) is that spiritual part of man(which comes from God) that enables him to commune with God who is spirit (cf. Jn 4:24). Whenever the soul is wounded by sin(s), man's communion with God is weakened or destroyed, leaving man in isolation, pains, suffering and above all, in DARKNESS. To bring man out of darkness (to enable him enjoy the original GOODNESS at creation), God, who desires man's constant communion, sent His only begotten Son Jesus Christ, the LIGHT of the World (Jn 8:12; 9:5;12:46) for man's redemption. In today's Gospel pericope (Jn 9:1:41), Jesus shows and proves that He is truly the Light of the world by healing the man born blind. St. Augustine once said, "God created us without our contribution, but he will not save us without our contribution." A great Lesson in this healing is the fact that the blind man contributed to his salvation. His OBEDIENCE to the words of Jesus,"Go and wash in the Pool of Siloam," facilitated his healing. His humility in acknowledging his blindness and his doggedness in testifying to Jesus' healing and saving power count. Beloved in Christ, Jesus made it clear that he came to give sight to the spiritually blind, and to give judgement to those who think they see. (Jn .9:39). THINGS TO AVOID:(The attitude of the Pharisees). 1.Refusal to admit their sinfulness. 2. Pride. 3. Unbelief. 4. Self-righteousness. 5. Disobedience. 6. Seeing Jesus as their rival and enemy. Finally, as we approach Easter, we ask God for the grace to confess our spiritual blindness so as to receive Spiritual Sight.Also, we wish our dear Catholic mothers a very happy 'Mothering Sunday'. God bless your families. Happy Sunday!