Sunday Gospel reflections: Making a difference

Fourth Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday), Year A

"Christ Healing the Blind," by El Greco, circa 1567. Photo: Public Domain
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“It is so that the works of God might be made visible through him.” (John 9:3)

Jesus performed a great work in healing the man born blind. What a difference he must have made in that man’s life.

We may feel our work has little or no impact on others. When I am tempted to think that way, I recall the last day of my first semester teaching high school. My students had been less than enthusiastic to learn freshman theology. By the time of the final exam I began to doubt that my teaching made any difference. Then, on the way out of class, my quietest student handed me a letter from my class in which they listed all the ways their faith had grown throughout the semester. I was stunned! How could I have been so blind?

From that moment on, I understood that my work does make a difference when I realize it’s ultimately God’s work being done. Jesus acknowledged this, as well. Before curing the blind man, our Lord pointed out that he was doing the work of God. 

Lord, help me to see that the difference I make is in the work that you send me to do. 

  — Fr. Paul J. Fasano


Readings: 

1 Samuel 16:1B, 6-7, 10-13A

Psalm 23:1-3A, 3B-4, 5, 6

Ephesians 5:8-14

John 9:1-41


Stained glass window depicting Jesus healing a blind man. Photo: Zvonimir Atletic/Shutterstock

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