The Lord looks at the heart
4th Sun A Lent
Cobh
15 March 2026
My friends,
I will read today’s Gospel in its full form.
Like last Sunday’s account of the meeting between Jesus and the Woman at the Well – today’s Gospel is also a very complete dialogue between Jesus and the people and today between Jesus and us who are present.
Just note as you listen attentively that there are different kinds of blindness and different levels of seeing and understanding.
John (9:1-41) – Jesus’ encounter with the blind man
It is not unusual for people to believe that misfortune or disease are a curse from God. It was especially true in the time of Jesus. That illness or affliction were due to people’s sin or that of their parents. Jesus, in response when asked that question simply stated, “He was born blind so that the works of God might be displayed in him.”
While the Creator God blesses us with the five senses – some are not so blessed. Our senses have a physical quality, and we tend to take them for granted. However, beyond and beneath the senses are our sensibilities which give direction and focus to living – these we experience in our feelings and thoughts both good and bad.
So many of us are greatly gifted in our bodies but don’t always use them that well. Many of us ‘see’ the same situations but due to ignorance or lack of care we fail to understand. While we ‘see’ things, we remain blind to its reality and its effects on others.
Prejudice is the great scourge for all, everyday
