Homily for the Fourth Sunday of Lent: Year A, 2025

A religious master asked his disciples: how to know the moment that the night ended and the day began?

A student replied: when we see an animal from far away, we can say it is a cow or a horse. The Master was not satisfied with the answer.

Another student replied: when we see a tree from far away and we can say it is a plum or an apple. The master was not satisfied with his answer either. Finally, he said: The day begins when you look at a man and you can recognize him as your brother; or when you look at a woman and you can see her as your sister. If you cannot do that, then although the sun is rising, there is still darkness in you. To me, blindness and living in darkness are the same.

The faith journey of a born-blind man was a typical journey of everyone who met Jesus and had faith in Him. We can divide his journey into three parts.

Firstly, Jesus met the born-blind man and gave him an instruction of washing. The blind man did not know who Jesus was, but he believed and did as instruct and a miracle happened. We call this grace period. Many of us experienced this period of grace when our prayers were answered or when we were healed physically, emotionally or spiritually.

Secondly, the born-blind man had to go through a test of faith when he wanted to be a witness for the Man who healed him. We call this period trials and chastisements; He was questioned and was harassed by religious leaders in his community. He just stayed faithful to the truth of how he was healed. The main question that the man had to face was: who do you say he is? Remember in the gospel of Matthew 16:16, Jesus asked his disciple: “who do you say I am?” In fact, through questions, discussions and confrontations, the blind man little by little had a clearer knowledge of who Jesus is; at first, he believed Jesus was a prophet, then pressed further, he believed Jesus must come from God, and then he believed Jesus is a holy one of God. I have a question for all of you: who do you say he is? This personal question requests a personal response. I believe no one can say: “He is the Lord” without a long journey of studies, reflections, retreats, and prayers.

To me, after high school years, after long years of being a catechist to children, after my personal trials and struggles, I saw and believed Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Only He can make me who I am now.

Finally, the blind man was rejected by religious leaders because of his faith in Jesus. He became an outcast to his society because of his faith in Jesus Christ. It looked like his life was doomed, but no, the gospel of John said: when Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, he found him Do you see the picture here? Jesus found him when he needed consolation and hope. In other words, Jesus came to him and revealed to him who he is, and the born- blind man worshiped him.

Dear friends in Christ, there are some questions we can reflect and share with others through this week: Have your catholic faith ever been tested like the born- blind man; confrontation, rejections, or discrimination even within the Church? You may write your experiences with Jesus and share them with your family and friends. Don’t be afraid to share your faith experiences. Don’t despair when people do not accept you because of your belief. Jesus’ disciples always stand for the truth without fear.

Lent reminds us that we must embrace our suffering and pains like Jesus did on the cross. These days, Jesus looks for our faith. His words should be our strength these days. In whatever situation we are in, we must believe Jesus shares our suffering and our pain. He never abandons us, even if the Church abandons us, families reject us, but He will not.

May our love and our desire for Jesus ever increase during this trial time.