Reflection for Sunday – March 15, 2026

Sr. Barbara Moore, RSMSunday Readings Homilies

Readings: Samuel 16: 1b. 6-7, 10-13a; Ephesians 5: 8-14; John 9: 11-41 
Preacher: Sr. Barbara Moore RSM

The Gospel shares an ancient theory about physical illnesses.  Jesus’ disciples ask a question that was common in their day.  Why was this man born blind? And they have two conclusions.  Either he was a sinner or his parents sinned.  Jesus’ answer is powerful.  “Neither he nor his parents sinned.”  Think of the burden that attitude created among the community?  After this cure Jesus again identifies himself with one of his powerful statements, “I am the light of the world.” The poor fellow had to walk the gamut to explain his cure. 

Some denied he was the original blind man, some asked him directly and others took the issue to the religious leaders to seek their approval.  But the cure caused division among them.   Still not satisfied, they questioned the parents of the cured man.  The parents confirmed his original illness but protected themselves by saying, “We do not know how he sees now…”  This inquiry led to ridicule, denunciation and ultimately, the poor fellow after sharing his views with the religious leaders about the cure, was declared a sinner and was dismissed from their gathering.  For a faithful person to be thrown out of the synagogue was a powerful action.

The last encounter Jesus had with some of the Pharisees indicates they still had questions about the man and his cure.  “Surely we are not also blind, are we?”  His response is powerful.  “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but because now you are saying ‘we see’ …your sin remains.”

Imagine the days after this cure.  The blind man was honest and indeed wise according to John.  He said to the religious leaders, “If this man were not from God, he would not be able to do anything.”   Think of what his future life will hold for him and his parents.  Fear yet great joy.   The fear that was growing among the religious leaders and debates about Jesus and his actions.  He must have been a threat.  And that is revealed in the closing of the Gospel. Some of the Pharisees must have been disturbed by the situation and said to Jesus, “Surely we are not also blind, are we?”  Then Jesus’ powerful line, …because you say, ‘We see’ your sin remains.”

How does this Gospel speak to us as modern Christians?   Whom have we named—sinners, outsiders, free loaders, and unwelcome ones in our society?  We know little about many of them and their contributions to our nation and communities.

We are figurately “blinded” about so much and about so many. Blinded by lies, doctored facts and while legal regulations are necessary, how they are applied, enforced and executed fly in the face of the commands of Christ. The Familiar Psalm of the weekend offers us and our nation important advice. The Good Shephard “…guides me in right paths (and) his rod and staff give me courage.”  May that be the advice we all need as we face the demands of our day.

Sr. Barbara Moore, RSM
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