March 15, 2026
4th Sunday
Lent
FOCUS: You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.
The lengthy exchange in today’s Gospel between the formerly blind man and the Pharisees serves as a reminder that we are all born blind and are given our sight at baptism, when we are first able to see through the eyes of faith. As our Lenten journey continues, let us pray that God will continue to open our eyes to his truth.
What's in Your Heart
We are called, appointed, anointed by God to see the light and lead others out of darkness. Ask yourself:
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What blocks me from seeing the light at certain times or in certain areas of my life?
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What areas of my life do I try to keep in the dark? Who or what am I shielding from light? Why?
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When have I helped another see better? How did they respond? When has someone tried to help me see better? What was my response?
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What one truth do I see most clearly in my life?
Homily Stories
I was at a friend's house, and his young son was doing a school project on a topic I happen to know something about. I offered my assistance, and at first the son seemed to welcome any help he could get. But every time I tried to tell him something new he interrupted by saying, "I know, I know." He said it even when it was clear he didn't know quite as much as he thought he did.
Jesus ran into that same attitude with the Pharisees, who were quite upset when Jesus gave a blind man sight. This miracle didn't jibe with what they already "knew" about how God works in the world. And so, rather than learning something new about God—that he longs for our healing and wholeness—they closed their minds and, in effect, kept saying, "I know, I know!" They were sure the man's blindness had been caused by sin, yet they were unwilling to consider that their own spiritual blindness might be a result of their own sin of pride.
Spiritual growth requires that we employ what gurus call "beginner's mind." This is the attitude that is aware of its limitations and open to new truths and surprises. Lent is a good time to cultivate beginner's mind. It's a time to see ourselves and the world not with our own prejudices but as God sees—as worthy of help and healing and love.
First Reading
Second Reading
Gospel
Quotes
Start being brave about everything, driving out darkness and spreading light as well. Don’t look at your weakness, but realize that in Christ crucified you can do everything.
—Saint Catherine of Siena
As those who see light are in the light sharing its brilliance, so those who see God are in God sharing his glory, and that glory gives them life. To see God is to share in life.
—Saint Irenaeus