4TH SUNDAY OF LENT 15TH MARCH 2026

The readings for the Fourth Sunday of Lent highlight God’s surprising ways of choosing, the symbolism of light as hope and revelation, and Jesus as the one who brings true spiritual sight. Together they invite believers to trust in God’s mercy and to recognize Christ as the source of enlightenment and salvation.

The first reading centers on the calling of David, the youngest son of Jesse, whom God chooses as the future king of Israel. This moment begins the lineage of the promised messianic king that Christians believe is fulfilled in Jesus. The story emphasizes that God does not judge by human standards such as outward appearance or status. Just as God chose Abel over Cain and Joseph over his older brothers, David though the youngest and least expected is selected for a special role.

Yet David’s later failures, including grave sins, show that human achievements do not earn God’s favour. Instead, the story highlights the importance of God’s mercy and forgiveness, reminding believers that they must rely on God’s grace rather than their own merit.

The theme of light emerges as a powerful biblical symbol of hope, guidance, and divine presence. In the Old Testament, God is described as dwelling in inaccessible light, representing holiness and truth. In the New Testament, this image is applied to Jesus, who proclaims himself the “light of the world.” 

The Gospel reading recounts the healing of the man born blind, one of the Gospel of John’s great signs revealing Jesus’ identity. The story is rich in irony and contrast. Those who believe they possess knowledge and authority the Pharisees actually demonstrate spiritual blindness by refusing to recognize the miracle as a sign of God’s work. Meanwhile, the once-blind man grows in faith and insight. The more the religious leaders’ question and reject him, the more firmly he is drawn toward Jesus.

The narrative also reflects tensions within the Jewish community toward the end of the first century, when followers of Jesus often faced exclusion from the synagogue. While the healed man’s parents fear such consequences, the man himself boldly acknowledges the truth of what Jesus has done.

The readings emphasize that God reveals truth and grace in unexpected ways. God chooses unlikely individuals, offers mercy despite human failure, and brings light where there was darkness. In this Lenten journey, believers are invited to open their eyes to Christ, the true light, and to look forward with hope to the joy of Easter and the promise of new life.

HAPPY MOTHERS’ DAY TO ALL MOTHERS

                                              Fr. Jerome Otitoyomi Dukiya C.S.Sp