Fourth Thursday of Lent

Lent 2023

When Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, he found him and said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” He answered and said, “Who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” Jesus said to him, “You have seen him and the one speaking with you is he.” He said, “I do believe, Lord,” and he worshiped him. Then Jesus said, “I came into this world for judgment, so that those who do not see might see, and those who do see might become blind.”

—John 9:35–39

 

The blind man, although treated unjustly by the religious authorities, develops a personal relation- ship with Christ. Even though God allows imperfect and unjust people to wield earthly authority, Jesus reveals the heavenly meaning of power, as he makes himself available to all, especially those who are mistreated or suffer injustice.

God allows injustice because experiencing the weakness of this earthly kingdom often drives us to his heavenly kingdom. No matter what injustice you or your loved ones have experienced because of the misuse of earthly authority, Jesus stands ready to comfort you and reveal himself to you more completely.

 

Today, pray for those who are your “enemies,” people who have caused you stress or aggravation.

 This reflection from Messages of Trust for Lent, originally published by Ave Maria Press, was reprinted with permission of the authors, Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran. For more parish resources, visit https://www.rebuiltparish.com/.

Responsorial psalms are excerpted from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. No portion of this text may be reproduced by any means without permission in writing from the copyright owner. Other scripture texts in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, DC, and are used by permission of the copyright owner. All Rights Reserved. No part of the New American Bible may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the copyright owner.