Fourth Sunday of Lent (A)
INTRO:

It was an early diagnosis for me that my RIGHT EYE is “lazy.” They called it: amblyopia. People also have other kinds of physical blindness that is far worse than a lazy eye ……. that some of you may have; that some of you have gotten either through human accidents or other kinds of degenerative situations in the eye that hinder you unable to see. So……. There is PHYSICAL BLINDNESS in the world!

There is also: SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS that typically results from some tragedy in the world where we just cannot see GOD. We somehow doubt his being present.

One of CHRIST’S major teachings for those of you entering the Catholic faith at this Easter vigil is ALWAYS knowing that GOD IS WITH US no matter what happens. ALLWAYS TRY TO SEE HIM.

I know lots of people wrestle with the question:
“Is God really around these days?”
“I DON’T SEE HIM”

And…It is very human TO NOT SEE GOD when terrible things happen. It is very human to question His existence,

WHERE IS HE? …..
I WANT TO SEE HIM!!

Having that question, “where is He?” is NORMAL, but, for the answer: …. That is a tough one.

The answer TO THIS QUESTION, of always seeing HIM, I believe comes from what is called a “PURIFIED” HEART.”

How does this happen? Getting a purified heart!!!!

Well, remember Jesus correctly answered the Pharisees’ question about which is the greatest commandment.

He by-passed the thousands of laws and numerous legal followings of the Jews, answering the question by reducing them all to TWO commandments:

LOVE GOD
LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR

And that love of God and Neighbor always needs FORGIVENESS and

When there is forgiveness, one receives a purified heart!

We need to be a …. “Forgiving people.”
Let me explain.

Our EASTER JESUS taught the world, not to be mad at one another, but to FORGIVE ONE ANOTHER, always …. What did he say on the cross???
“I’m mad at you for hanging me here!!!”
He said:

“Forgive them for they know not what they do.”

He taught you and me to imitate Him and turn our questions of His existence

“WHERE ARE YOU? I WANT TO SEE YOU!”
Into TRUST.

Trusting HE is there and becoming a more forgiving people the PURIFIED HEART comes into us.

And it is having that purified heart that we truly and happily live!

That is one way how spiritual blindness ( I CAN’T SEE HIM!) is purified and healed.

Be a person of forgiveness and SEE GOD in all others around us. And let us all be a church community of great forgiveness.

CONCLUSION:

Overall, your teaching today is that:
SEE THAT GOD IS WITH US no matter what. And to forgive others, today.

Believe this truth and not like those in the story today who just could not go there. Be like the man born blind and SEE: God is with us! And PLEASE …… Forgive others.