‘You did not choose me, no, I chose you’ (John 15: 16)

The story of Jesus curing the blind man, which we heard last week, the 4th Sunday of Lent, reminds us of one of the most important understandings of our loving God. It is Jesus who takes the initiative to approach the blind man at the Pool of Siloam, demonstrating his love and compassion. In this important Lenten reading, we witness as the man himself, healed of his blindness by Jesus, ‘a man from God’, becomes our model of humility and graciousness, knowing that he can do nothing without the help of others, but especially of his loving God.

The challenge for us in this familiar story relates to our own openness to God. Are we willing to move, as the blind man, beyond our comfort zones, beyond ourselves and our own personal needs, in response to God’s call to us? During the season of Lent, we are called especially to answer humbly the call to see as God sees - to respond to the needs of others, no matter the barriers that might stand in our way. In doing so, we stand for the values that Jesus lived and taught, even when faced with the difficulties of mockery, poor resources or other challenges.

Jesus is reminding us, as he did the blind man, “I see you, even though you cannot see me.” How do we respond when we hear his voice or feel his touch?

Lord, grant us the grace to have confidence in the love and actions of Jesus. 

We ask for the light that will enable us to see beyond material needs and our own perceptions, 

to the goodness and greatness of your work; to see as you see, to love as you love. In the name of Jesus. Amen.