Reflecting On Sunday’s Readings THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT—March 30, 2014 Introduction: Many of us know people who have become either completely or partially blind due to accident or disease. Few of us know blind people who have received the ability to see for the first time. In both cases, the contrast between darkness and light is startling. Light opens to us a world of possibilities, freedom of movement, and an ability to comprehend our world. Darkness, on the other hand, limits our options, restricts our freedom to move around freely, and obscures our world. All of us realize that we live in a real, concrete, physical world, but are we equally aware that we concurrently live in a real spiritual world? One reality we can see, hear, and feel; the other is more elusive to our comprehension, however, its effects can be readily recognized. Some of us see well in the earthly realm, even with 20/20 vision, but in the realm of the Spirit we are practically blind. Which is the worst tragedy, to be physically blind, or to be spiritually blind? Like Samuel in this week’s first reading it is easy for us to mistakenly make spiritual judgments based on physical appearances. This is unfortunate, for one’s physical appearance, good looks, charismatic personality, and fashionable bearing can often mask a person’s less attractive spiritual condition. To primarily view people on outward appearances is a form of spiritual blindness which we should abandon. The Lord, on the other hand, looks through people’s outward shell to view the spiritual quality of their inner life. This kind of spiritual vision and insight must come from the Lord, and from having our mind transformed to think in light of the truths of sacred Scripture and the values found in the Word of God. Fanny Crosby, the prolific Christian hymn writer, lost her physical sight as a young child. However, it is obvious through her hymns that she was a person who could wonderfully see with the spiritual eyes of her heart. We get a glimpse of her spiritual insight in the following poem: “Oh, what a happy soul am I! Although I cannot see, I am resolved that in this world, contented I will be. How many blessings I enjoy that other people don’t, To weep and sigh because I’m blind, I cannot and I won’t.” Like the blind man in this week’s Gospel reading, there is no shame in recognizing our blindness, rather there is wisdom in doing so. For only when we recognize our blindness can we appeal to Jesus for healing and new sight. Jesus stands ready to make the “sightless see.” The only question is, are we ready to admit our need, believe that he does and will give us spiritual insight, and ask him for healing? (By Richard A. Cleveland) First Reading — 1 Samuel 16:1, 6-7, 10-13 1 The LORD said to Samuel: How long will you grieve for Saul, whom I have rejected as king of Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and be on your way. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have chosen my king from among his sons. 6 As they came, he looked at Eliab and thought, Surely the LORDS anointed is here before him. 7 But the LORD said to Samuel: Do not judge from his appearance or from his lofty stature, because I have rejected him. Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance but the LORD looks into the heart. … 10 In the same way Jesse presented seven sons before Samuel, but Samuel said to Jesse, The LORD has not chosen any one of these. 11 Then Samuel asked Jesse, Are these all the sons you have? Jesse replied, There is still the youngest, who is tending the sheep. Samuel said to Jesse, Send for him; we will not begin the sacrificial banquet until he arrives here. 12 Jesse sent and had the young man brought to them. He was ruddy, a youth handsome to behold and making a splendid appearance. The LORD said, There-anoint him, for this is he! 13 Then Samuel, with the horn of oil in hand, anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and from that day on, the spirit of the LORD rushed upon David. When Samuel took his leave, he went to Ramah. Explain what it means to be blind spiritually and to see spiritually. How can we, like Samuel, avoid the mistake of judging people on their outward appearance?
Posted on: Thu, 27 Mar 2014 21:39:28 +0000
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