John 9:1 , 6-9 , 13-17 , 34-38
March 26 , 2017
Fourth Sunday of Lent
John 9:1 , 6-9 , 13-17 , 34-38
“ I am the light of the world , says the Lord ; whoever follows me will have the light of life .”
Reflection by Molly Trainor , former volunteer of Benedictine Volunteers
Today John tells of Jesus healing a man born blind . When others learn that the man can see , they ask themselves , “ Isn ’ t this the beggar who used to sit on the side of the road ?” Then when the man tries to testify to the merciful power of Jesus , they cast him out , saying that he is just a sinner , unqualified to teach them .
Too often , it ’ s easy to be discouraged from serving others because we feel like the blind man in today ’ s Gospel . During my time of service with Benedictine Volunteers , I struggled with this a lot . I asked myself why I thought I could help others , when I myself struggled with so much , as if I had to be perfect in order to give anything .
The blind man shows us that this is far from the truth . The things that make us broken are those same things that Jesus uses to heal us , to make us instruments for others . The beggar ’ s blindness is the reason he finds Jesus and the reason he is so willing to preach about Jesus ’ mercy .
As I read this Gospel , I see that my blindness is not something that should hold me back from service . My imperfections are what make me realize the need for God in my life and give me the courage to address that need with gentle love in the lives of others . Instead of being ashamed of my brokenness , I should allow God to use it to help heal others .
Prayer :
Lord , I believe . I believe that you have the power to heal . I believe that you desire to use me as an instrument , despite and because of my shortcomings . Do not let me remain blind to my shortcomings , but do not let my shortcomings stop me from accepting your plan for me . Give me the sight to see how you want me to grow in love with you . Give me the courage to testify to your mercy . Amen .
Focus on : Spirituality : It ’ s difficult to beg , but it is only in begging that we truly realize our need . Ask yourself , in what ways am I avoiding healing in my spiritual life ? Beg God for the sight to see what you might not want or be able to see on your own . Then beg for the help and encouragement to transform your weaknesses into strengths . Like the blind man , beg that your past struggles allow you a deeper faith in Jesus Christ .
Service Inspiration : Someone who has allowed God to transform her wounds into a beautiful witness of faith is singer Audrey Assad . I had the privilege of hearing Assad ’ s testimony and she inspired me to allow God to use my brokenness . She helped me realize that in admitting our weakness , we allow others to see that all our strength comes from God . Her music gives me the strength to say that my weakness is a tool to serve others for the glory of God .
Molly was an English major at Franciscan University of Steubenville . Last March , she went on a Mission of Peace to Gallup , New Mexico with my her University . Formerly she served as a volunteer with Benedictine Volunteers , where she lived and served with the sisters of Mother of God Monastery in Watertown , South Dakota .
Lenten Reflection Guide - Ash Wednesday , February 18 , 2015