Fourth Sunday in Lent Year A

Sunday 30 March 2014 Fourth Sunday in Lent - John 9: 1 – 41

This is a story of healing and wholeness which presents a profound problem for the Temple authorities. If this had been a story of revelation, then a poor and un-educated man could be swiftly dismissed by the Pharisees and the teachers of the law. As it is, they have physical evidence to contend with that is substantiated by the blind man’s acquaintances and also his family members. But there can be no side-stepping what has happened. It is a miracle - one who could not see is now able to function in a world full of light and shadow, of recognition and wonder.

John Newton was inspired to write: “I once was lost, but now I’m found, was blind but now I see.” For Newton, this was all about understanding – faith in Christ enabled him to see things that, whilst they had always existed, were revealed at a specific moment and came to shape his future life of faith. And John uses this miracle of the blind man in his gospel to draw a similar metaphor. Jesus helps the blind man who has been healed to take a second step – a step of faith (v38). First, he is healed and then he is saved. Truly an inspirational story of a transformed life.

Our journey through Lent is a time when we too can take stock. What would it take to make us whole? How can this journey with Jesus continue the transformation of my life into something new and beautiful?