VOICES of Lent - Part Eight

We continue with this series of postings entitled, VOICES of Lent. Here we are reflecting on the gospel of the Fourth Sunday of Lent, Yr. A. This passage is rich in dialogue. It suits well for several visit for prayer and contemplation. Look for updates to this Post, Part Eight. 

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Good Spirit: Dear Soul, as you listen to the voices of this text, recognize the great similarity to the voices you hear in today's world, discussing matters of the faith. Jesus disciples are locked into past understandings of God's way. “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Being born blind was thought to be a punishment from God. What they are not expecting is to be taken beyond conventional wisdom. Take a moment and consider your own views regarding infirmity and God's will.

• Does God inflict infirmity as punishment?
• Would God heal you if you prayed for His Help?
• Are there certain conditions necessary in praying for healing?
• Does the gift, (charism) of healing, seen in apostolic times, exist today?
• Is the forgiveness of sins, healing?

Good Spirit: Now take the following verses for your reflective meditation.

“Neither he nor his parents sinned; 
it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him.
We have to do the works of the one who sent me while it is day.
Night is coming when no one can work.
While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

Soul: Good Spirit, help me to understand what Jesus means by "Night"

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Good Spirit: Let us again consider our text. We see in Jesus response that God does not inflict illness upon people as a punishment for sins. Illness is part of your imperfect world and can arise when people misuse creation. But God can choose to reach out his hand to heal and restore nature, or recreate it for a new divine purpose. God can and does choose to share such healing gifts with people, but always for his purpose. One does not merely marvel at the miracle, but sees it as sign and so seeks to understand its deeper purpose.

Look at confusion these people have when they fail to recognize the sign;

His neighbors and those who had seen him earlier as a beggar said, 

“Isn’t this the one who used to sit and beg?”
Some said, “It is, “
but others said, “No, he just looks like him.”

He said, “I am.” 

So some of the Pharisees said,
“This man is not from God,
because he does not keep the sabbath.”
But others said,
“How can a sinful man do such signs?”
And there was a division among them.

As you read through the passage, you hear the same mix of opinions that you hear today when religion is discussed. Now listen to Jesus voice.

When Jesus heard that they had thrown him out,
he found him and said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”
He answered and said,
“Who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?”
Jesus said to him,
“You have seen him,
the one speaking with you is he.”
He said,
“I do believe, Lord,” and he worshiped him.
Then Jesus said,
“I came into this world for judgment,
so that those who do not see might see,
and those who do see might become blind.”

Good Spirit: There are people who do not wish to believe, who are content with the way they see the world. There are people who have lost their faith, for many different reasons. There are people who have fashion their beliefs about God in ways that suit their own wants and desires. And there are people who hunger for true faith. When the voice of your heart, in truth, cries out, "Who are you Lord, show me that I am believe", like the man born blind, the Lord himself will make you see. You too, will hear his voice, “You have seen him, the one speaking with you is he.”
   
Gospel Jn 9:1-41

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Review again the structure of this approach to prayer:

• PLACE: choosing a place with a measure of quiet and solitude.
• PRESENCE: entering this prayer expecting to be guided by Grace.
• PETITION: asking for the graces that will make this prayer fruitful.
• PASSAGE: preparing a passage of scripture for reflection.
• PRAYER: entering the passage, looking, listening, imagining you are there, focusing on various persons, collecting your thoughts, feelings, reaction.
• PRAISE and thanks: closing with a prayer formed in your own words, as one speaking face to face to another; expressing your gratitude for the blessings and guidance received in this prayer time.