Stewardship Reflection – March 14, 2021

March 14, 2021 — Fourth Sunday of Lent

1 SM 16:1B, 6-7, 10-13A; PS 23:1-3A, 3B-4, 5, 6; EPH 5:8-14; JN 9:1-41

Our readings today identify the most unlikely individuals for the most extraordinary tasks. These individuals are examples to us in our lives.

In our First Reading, the Lord appoints Samuel to declare the next king of Israel. The Lord’s words to Samuel about who should become king cut right to the heart of what matters in God’s eyes, “man sees the appearance, but the Lord looks into the heart.” We often embrace the misconception that things like status and appearance are what carry importance in life. Yet, God clearly states that it is what is in our hearts that matters most. So how do we cultivate hearts worthy of God? It starts in prayer — giving God undivided attention each day. Through this time set aside for our Lord, He will work on our hearts so that they will become more like His.

Our Gospel resounds what was proclaimed in our First Reading, “not as man sees does God see.” Jesus heals a blind man who people assumed was born blind as a punishment from sin. Yet, Jesus says, “Neither he nor his parents sinned; it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him.”

Jesus often worked through the most vulnerable people to show His greatest works. Like the blind man, we must recognize our need for healing and give God the authority to work through us.

During these final weeks of Lent, let us ponder God’s words, “not as man sees does God see.” May we become dependent on our Lord so that He might work through us and transform us.

— Stewardship Reflections by Catholic Stewardship Consultants