4th Sunday of Lent

1 Samuel 16:1;6-7;10-13

Psalm 23

Ephesians 5:8-14 

John 9:1-41

 You Have SEEN Him

Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you are saying, ‘We see,’ so your sin remains.” This burning condemnation stands in sharp contrast to the short dialogue with the man born blind, “Who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, the one speaking with you is he.” What always stuns me is that it didn’t matter what kind of miracle Jesus performed, for those who were closed-minded would remain so. Who is the one who receives the gift of faith this day but one who has lived in darkness all his life? My temptation is to assume that I am not like the Pharisee, but have I been blind to the goodness in my sisters, to the effort of a child, to the suffering of a parent? Have I been so blinded by my own needs that I have totally neglected another? ” ‘We see,’ you say, but your sin remains.” Wow! That’s a scary thought! Have I seen Jesus? Have I missed him standing in right in front of me saying, “It is he who is speaking to you now”?

3rd Sunday of Lent

Exodus 17:3-7

Psalm 95

Romans 5:1-2;5-8

John 4:5-42

 If Only

“Strike the rock, and the water will flow from it for the people to drink.” “…and out of his wounded side flowed blood and water.” If only the woman would realize who it was who was asking her for a drink… If only the Chosen People would not grumble against God… If only I would not harden my heart when asked to do some simple act of trust… If only…

It seems to me there are two choices before me, surrender completely or keep on fighting. I have fought for so long, it almost seems like I’d miss the action. Perhaps, that’s why I hold on to false illusions. The only choice that gives me hope is to trust with abandon this stranger at the well who dares to ask ME for a drink.