"Do you believe in the Son of Man?" This is the question that Jesus asks of the Man Born Blind (John 9:1-41) that we hear this Sunday at Mass. With the Woman at the Well episode in the Gospel of John from last Sunday, there are the themes of encounter and accompaniment (invitation). Metaphors of light and darkness reveal the true identity of Jesus as He invites us into belief and salvation.

The episode begins with a question about the problem of sin and suffering. It then becomes an unexpected encounter with miraculous healing. This encounter reveals the Light of Christ which comes to shine in the darkness of the world. This Light is a gift that can be either accepted or rejected.

Jesus' physical healing of the Man Born Blind is an Amazing miracle in itself. But then Jesus invites the Man into a deeper relationship of faith. He again displays his patience upon the request for accompaniment. With each encounter the man has with Jesus deepens his understanding. First, he believes that Jesus is a miracle worker. Then, believes Jesus to be a prophet sent by God.

Finally, in response to the question, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" he replies "Who is he, sir that I may believe in him?" Jesus says to him, "You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he." The Man then makes the profession of faith by saying, "I do believe, Lord", and worships Jesus.

This movement from amazement to faith to worship is in contradiction to the reaction of others in this episode. Although they too have seen the miracle, they cling to spiritual blindness. Whether out of fear or self-righteous pride, they refuse to accept Jesus as a miracle worker. They reject that He is a prophet. By doing so, they are not open to seeing that Jesus is the Light that comes into the darkness of the world.

"Do you believe in the Son of Man?" Jesus asks this question to all of us, and not only during Lent. Our Lord is patient with us. Each encounter that we have with Him is an invitation to a deeper relationship and understanding. We see Jesus in the gift of the Eucharist. We hear His voice in the Scriptures and prayer.

Each Lent is a unique opportunity to hear Him ask this question of us. He invites us out of our blindness to His Divine Mercy - be transformed by it. He desires our conversion and repentance (turning back to Him) so that we too can say, "I do believe, Lord."

In celebration of St. Patrick's Day, Bishop Konderla has given a dispensation from the obligation to abstain from eating on this Friday of Lent. Those who choose to eat meat today are asked to make some type of penitential substitute.

Our Friday Evenings of Lent continue today. Our Lenten Meal begins at 6:00 PM in McGuire Hall, with a presentation on Eucharistic Miracles at 6:40 PM in the church, followed by Stations of the Cross at 7:30 PM.

The Fourth Sunday is also known as Laetare Sunday. It marks the halfway point of Lent. This title comes from the Latin "Laetare Jerusalem" (Rejoice, O Jerusalem) from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, which is used as the Opening Antiphon for Mass that day. The austere color of violet, a sign of penitence, is replaced with the joyful color of roses.

The Anointing of the Sick will be offered at all Masses for those who are elderly, chronically ill (regardless of age), or who are preparing for a medical procedure.

The Consecration to St. Joseph and Dinner will take place after the Saturday Mass this weekend. All are welcome. I invite those participating to bring their sacred art depicting St. Joseph to the dinner for a blessing.

There will be a Mass at 8:30 AM on Monday, March 20 for the Solemnity of St. Joseph.

Today is the first of a series of Garden and Landscaping Work Days. We are in the process of replacing shrubs and plants that have died or are declining due to the extreme weather we've had over the last couple of years. Please contact the parish office for the dates and times of future work days if you'd like to help with this.

God bless and keep you safe.

Fr. Bryan