The Proper of the Day: The Fourth Sunday in Lent

On this day the Church, the gathered community of believers in every place, continues to celebrate the work of God in the world, which doesn't cease just because we declare a season of introspection and penitence. In particular, we continue to hear from the revelation of Christ offered in John's gospel. This week, it's the story of the man born blind and what happens after. Each of the Johannine gospels in both Lent and Eastertide show a different aspect of what Jesus is and what Jesus does. This week, we are led to understand how Jesus can heal the blindness of our own hearts to what God is doing in the world and just as importantly, in our own very lives. Healing is not just out there, for someone else. It's for us, you and me, right now, as well. We often forget that, I think, and it's good to be reminded that salvation is truly a personal thing, for each of us, right here and right now.

This is also my last Sunday at Trinity Parish in Bergen Point. Tomorrow I take up my duties as Vicar of St. Thomas' in Vernon. I would appreciate your prayers for me and for both Trinity and for St. Thomas'.

Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

RFSJ