There is a subtle but important difference between being cured and healed. To be cured of something means it will never come back, never haunt one’s life again. To be healed is something much deeper and broader. Healing is a process that takes place over time, and it brings about a transformation of body and soul. We usually see the story of Jesus and the man born blind as one of physical blindness and its cure. But it is really a story of healing, of restoration of physical sight, yes, but, more importantly, of the beginning of spiritual vision.

You see, we are all like the blind man – we are all born spiritually blind. And we stumble in the spiritual darkness, hurting ourselves and one another. It is only through our encounter with Jesus, the Light of the World, that we begin to see. Jesus heals the blind man—and all of us—from living our lives in the dark. Jesus opens up new worlds for all of us who want to be free from the prison of darkness.

We sometimes do not really see the gift of life that God lays before us. Jesus opens up new worlds for all of us who feel trapped by sin, addictions, hate, anger, hopelessness, self-loathing, past choices, illness, loneliness, and fear of life.

This profound story of restoration is not about just one individual’s physical sight, but more importantly, a birth of insight. Many people are never cured of their afflictions. But Jesus offers the promise of healing so that our afflictions will not consume us and win the day. It is a gift offered to all through the grace of faith.

On this Fourth Sunday of Lent, we join with our RCIA candidates and elect in taking a closer look at ourselves. Let us pray silently for a moment, that all of us will be given a sense of sin, a spirit of repentance, and true freedom as children of God.

Let us all ask ourselves:

• Where is darkness in our minds and hearts?

• How can we be more open to receive the healing that Jesus promises?

• How have we grown in seeing more clearly on our journey of faith?

Let us pray:

Christ Jesus,
come and open our eyes,
our minds,
and our hearts
to receive the healing
that we so desperately need.

We believe beyond believing
that you are new sight
and new life for us
when we trust in you
and relinquish our lives
to your care and protection.

Come now,
heal the darkness of our lives.

Amen.