“This fourth Sunday of Lent offers us a new understanding that the struggles we pass through are also moments of God’s glory in us”

First Reading: 1 Samuel 16:1.6–7.10-13a Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 23:1-3, 3b-4.5.6 Second Reading: Ephesians 5:8-14 Gospel Acclamation: John 8:12 Gospel: John 9:1-41

Today’s Reflection is by Fr. Osas Iriabe, SJ., Parish Priest, Holy Family Parish located in Caldwell, Liberia.

Today is the fourth Sunday in Lent, and the gospel reading is laced with mind-blowing points, but our focus will be on the theme of suffering. The dynamic of sin as the cause of suffering was a key point of discussion in today’s gospel reading. At the very beginning of this passage, we see the disciples put a question to Jesus to ascertain if the blind man’s sin or those of his parents are the primary reason why he was blind. Jesus vehemently rejects this thought and simply tells his disciples that the reality of the blind man will only further reveal the saving grace of God.

The message from this conversation highlights an important point: that suffering is not always the consequence of sin. There are also moments where God reveals Himself to us in a dynamic way. “Sam Storms,” a writer once said, and I quote, “Everytrial of suffering is an opportunity to grow in the faith.” This statement epitomizes the stages of faith of this blind man, from his healing to the moment he officially recognized Jesus as the Son of Man and believed.

Dear friends, in a world where we have been religiously told that as Christians we are not meant to suffer, we have constantly sunk into a pit of delusion as a result of it. This fourth Sunday of Lent offers us a new understanding of our faith. We are made to understand that the struggles we pass through are also moments of God’s glory in us. They seem, at times, unbearable, like the case of the blind man, but the interface between the presence of God in our lives and what he can do should be a source of encouragement to us. The Lenten season reminds us that we, too, should pick up our cross and follow our master. As difficult as the cross may be, Christ invites us to be like him if only we trust him. Let us pray for the grace to see our challenges not as punishments but as God’s way of inviting us closer to himself.