Sunday, March 15th

Scripture

1 Sam 16: 1b, 6-7, 10-13a
Ps 23: 1, 3-6
Ephesians 5: 8-14
Jn 9: 1-41

Reflection

“…the LORD does not see as mortals see;
they look at the outward appearance,
but the LORD looks at the heart.” (I Sam 16: 7b)
“I am the light of the world.” (Jn 9:5b)

The theme of vision and light/sight appear across the scriptures for today, which tell the story of Samuel’s unlikely anointing of David as king and of Jesus healing a man born blind. Both illustrate how the world looks different in the light of God’s justice and love, which sees past external appearances and cultural assumptions. In the ancient world, misfortune and illness/disability (such as blindness) were generally seen as signs of hidden sin and divine judgment, and so those who suffered in these ways were doubly excluded and maligned. As in many of the gospel stories, the Pharisees’ fixation on external conformity with the law, not only blinds them to its true meaning and purpose, but also to how the works of God are made visible in the world. In contrast, Jesus is the light of the world, illuminating “what is pleasing to God” (Eph. 5:10) through offering mercy and compassion to the vulnerable.

Prayer

God of Light, may we see the people and events of our world as
you do, with eyes open and spirits attentive to the needs of our
neighbors. Help us to see beyond appearances and assumptions
so that we can share your love and light with the world.

Personal Challenge

Ask God to illuminate any blindness, prejudice, or assumptions
you hold that get in the way of loving God and neighbor truly and
without distinction.

Jessica Wrobleski, CSJ Associate
Cleveland, Ohio