4th Sunday of Lent Year A: Laetare Sunday

• First Reading – 1 Samuel 16:1B, 6-7, 10-13A: Samuel is sent by the Lord to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as the new king of Israel, replacing Saul. Initially, Samuel believes that Eliab, Jesse’s eldest son, must be the chosen one, but the Lord reveals to him that he looks at the heart, not outward appearances, and leads him to anoint David, the youngest son, who is a shepherd.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 23: The Lord is a faithful and loving shepherd who provides for and protects his sheep. The psalmist describes the Lord’s provision of green pastures and still waters, his guidance through dark valleys, and his comforting presence, and concludes by affirming his confidence in the Lord’s goodness and mercy throughout his life.
• Second Reading – Ephesians 5:8-14: Believers should live as children of light, putting aside the works of darkness and walking in the ways of righteousness. The passage emphasizes the importance of exposing and reproving evil deeds, and notes that everything that is exposed by the light becomes visible and that Christ will shine on those who follow him.
• Gospel – John 9:1-41: Jesus heals a man who was born blind, but the Pharisees are skeptical and investigate the miracle. They interrogate the man and his parents, and ultimately cast the man out for declaring his belief in Jesus as the Son of God.

Lectionary Reference: 31

Upcoming dates: March 15, 2026, March 11, 2029, March 7, 2032

The 4th Sunday of Lent Year A invites us to reflect on seeing with the eyes of faith. The readings show how God looks at the heart, brings light to darkness, and heals spiritual blindness.

• Seeing as God Sees: God chooses David because of his heart, not his appearance. This reminds us to value inner goodness and to look beyond outward appearances.
• Light and Darkness: Believers are called to live as children of light. This means rejecting sin and letting Christ’s light guide our actions.
• Spiritual Blindness and Sight: Jesus heals the man born blind, revealing spiritual blindness in those who refuse to believe. This shows the importance of faith and openness to God’s truth.
• Faith and Conversion: The blind man’s journey from physical healing to faith in Jesus shows a deep conversion. This challenges us to grow in faith and recognize Jesus as the Son of God.
• God’s Choice and Calling: God chooses David, the unlikely shepherd, to be king. This shows that God often chooses the humble and overlooked to fulfill His plans.
• Courage to Witness: The healed man boldly defends Jesus before the Pharisees. His courage inspires us to stand up for our faith, even when challenged.

The 4th Sunday of Lent Year A challenges us to open our hearts to God’s light and see with faith. It calls us to grow in trust, courage, and love for Christ.

God Lights Our Way

The 4th Sunday of Lent Year A focuses on light and darkness, making it perfect for a GLOW (God Lights Our Way) theme. In the Gospel, Jesus heals a man born blind, showing that faith brings light to those in spiritual darkness. The second reading calls us to live as children of light, leaving behind sin and following Christ. These readings remind us that God’s light guides us and helps us see the truth.

Glow in the dark activities can symbolize how faith brightens our lives. Just as light overcomes darkness, Jesus leads us out of confusion and fear. This theme helps us reflect on how we can carry God’s light into the world. The 4th Sunday of Lent Year A invites us to open our hearts to Christ’s light and live with faith and hope.

Some ideas for a GLOW theme:

• Glow in the Dark Sidewalk Chalk
• Glow in the Dark Dodgeball Game
• Glow in the Dark Ring Toss
• Glow in the Dark Twister Game
• Glow in the Dark Balloons Stomp

The Gospel of John

The Gospel for the 4th Sunday of Lent Year A comes from the Gospel of John, which highlights the spiritual truth of Jesus as the Light of the World. In this reading, Jesus heals a man born blind, showing his power to bring both physical and spiritual sight. This miracle reveals Jesus’ divinity and his mission to lead people from darkness to light. It also challenges those who refuse to see the truth, like the Pharisees who remain spiritually blind.

The Gospel of John clearly shows the divinity of Jesus. From the beginning, John presents Jesus as the Word who was with God and is God. In this story, Jesus demonstrates his divine authority by giving sight to the blind man, an act only God can do. The 4th Sunday of Lent Year A invites us to see Jesus as the Son of God and to open our hearts to his light and truth.

Lenten Ideas for Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving

Lent is a time for conversion and renewal. Catholics are called to practice self-discipline through fasting, abstaining from meat on Fridays, and making small sacrifices. It is also a season for giving alms and spending more time in prayer. These practices help us grow closer to God and prepare our hearts for Easter.

The 4th Sunday of Lent Year A reminds us to open our eyes to God’s light. Just as Jesus gave sight to the blind man, Lent invites us to see our sins clearly and seek forgiveness. Going to reconciliation is an important way to receive God’s mercy and start anew. This Sunday encourages us to live as children of light, growing in faith and love.

Here is a small sampling of the 75+ ideas for prayer, fasting, and almsgiving on this page:

• Make Votive Candle Holders
• Give Up Video Games for a Weekend Or More
• Go for a Quiet Walk and Pray

I Was Blind and Now I See

In this homily for the 4th Sunday of Lent Year A, Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the healing of the man born blind. He explains that this miracle is not just about physical sight but also about spiritual vision. Jesus is the Light of the World, bringing sight to those blinded by sin. The story shows that we are all born spiritually blind due to original sin, and only Jesus can open our eyes to God’s truth.

Bishop Barron connects this healing to Baptism, where we are washed and given new spiritual sight. He also explains that when we truly encounter Christ, we are transformed and become new people. This can cause confusion or opposition from those who remain spiritually blind. Bishop Barron encourages us to stay faithful and alert, knowing that true sight comes from following Christ, even in the face of opposition.

Seeing As God Sees

In this commentary for the 4th Sunday of Lent Year A, Jeff Cavins explains that God looks at the heart, not outward appearances. He reflects on the first reading, where God chooses David as king because of his heart, not his looks. Cavins connects this to the Gospel story of the man born blind. People judged the man based on his condition, but Jesus saw his true value. This shows that God’s purpose can be revealed even in weakness or hardship.

Jeff Cavins encourages us to see ourselves and others as God does. He explains that our weaknesses and limitations are not punishments but opportunities for God to show His strength. Just as Jesus healed the blind man, God can work through our struggles for His glory. The 4th Sunday of Lent Year A invites us to trust God’s vision and believe that our weaknesses can become strengths through His grace.

Eyesight to the Blind

In this commentary for the 4th Sunday of Lent Year A, Scott Hahn explains that God sees the heart, not outward appearances. He connects this to the first reading, where God chooses David as king because of his heart. Hahn also relates it to the Gospel, where Jesus heals a man born blind, showing that spiritual sight comes through faith. The blind man represents all humanity in need of Jesus, the One sent by the Father to bring light and life.

Scott Hahn explains that the healing symbolizes Baptism, where we are washed clean and given new spiritual sight. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, leads us from darkness to light, just as he led the blind man to see. Hahn encourages us to live as children of light, following Christ and trusting in God’s vision. The 4th Sunday of Lent Year A invites us to see with faith and renew our belief in Jesus.

The 4th Sunday of Lent Year A invites us to see with the eyes of faith. The readings call us to recognize God’s work in unexpected ways and to look beyond outward appearances. They challenge us to live as children of light and to trust God’s purpose, even in times of struggle.

The Significance of the Miracle

In the Gospel for the 4th Sunday of Lent Year A, Jesus heals a man born blind using dirt and saliva. These simple, ordinary things show that God can use anything to bring healing and grace. By using what was considered unclean in Jewish culture, Jesus shows his power to make all things holy.

This miracle also points to spiritual renewal. Just as the man’s eyes were opened, we are called to open our hearts to God. Some see this as a symbol of baptism, where water washes away sin and brings new life. The man moves from darkness to light, just as we do when we are baptized.

Jesus also challenges the belief that suffering is a result of personal sin. He explains that the man’s blindness was not a punishment but an opportunity to show God’s glory. This reminds us that suffering can have a purpose beyond what we see.

This story invites us to reflect on how God works through ordinary things in our lives. It challenges us to see our struggles not as punishments but as ways God’s power can be revealed. It calls us to trust in God’s purpose and healing.

Seeing as God Sees

The first reading for the 4th Sunday of Lent Year A reminds us that God sees beyond outward appearances. When Samuel is sent to anoint a new king, he expects to choose the strongest and most impressive of Jesse’s sons. But God guides him to David, the youngest and least likely choice.

God explains that humans see the outside, but He sees the heart. This challenges us to look beyond looks, status, or wealth and to value inner goodness and faithfulness. It also reminds us to trust God’s choices, even when they don’t match our expectations.

The second reading continues this theme by calling us to live as children of light. We are challenged to see the world through God’s eyes, walking in goodness and truth. Spiritual sight involves seeing things from God’s perspective, not through the lens of selfishness or judgment.

By seeing as God sees, we learn to look at others with love and mercy. We are called to see potential and goodness in others, just as God saw greatness in David. We are also called to examine our own hearts and ask if we are living faithfully.

The 4th Sunday of Lent Year A invites us to develop spiritual sight. It challenges us to see with compassion, trust in God’s choices, and live as children of the light.

Similarities and Differences Between This Encounter and the Encounter with the Woman at the Well

On the 4th Sunday of Lent Year A, the Gospel tells of Jesus healing a man born blind. This follows the story of the woman at the well from the previous Sunday. Hearing these stories together helps us see both the similarities and differences in these encounters.

Both the woman and the blind man are outcasts in their society. Jesus meets them where they are, breaking social barriers. In both cases, his actions lead to a life-changing transformation. The woman becomes a believer and a witness to her community, while the blind man gains both physical sight and spiritual insight.

Both stories reveal Jesus’ identity. To the woman, he speaks of living water, showing himself as the source of eternal life. To the blind man, he reveals himself as the Son of Man. In both encounters, Jesus shows that he is more than a healer—he is the Savior.

However, the community’s response is very different. The woman’s community is open and curious. They come to believe in Jesus because of her testimony. In contrast, the religious leaders reject the blind man’s story and refuse to believe in Jesus, showing their spiritual blindness.

These stories challenge us to respond to Jesus with open hearts. The 4th Sunday of Lent Year A invites us to reflect on our own willingness to see and believe. It asks us if we are open to Jesus’ message or if we allow prejudice or fear to cloud our vision.

The 4th Sunday of Lent Year A reminds us that true sight comes from faith and an open heart. By seeing as God sees and trusting His purpose, we grow closer to Christ. May these reflections inspire us to walk in light and love.

Prayer

Lord, open our eyes to see as you see. Help us to look beyond appearances and to trust in your purpose. Lead us out of darkness and into your light. Give us faith to follow you and courage to share your love. Amen.

• How does God use ordinary things in your life to bring grace and healing?
• What distractions keep you from seeing God’s work?
• How can you live as a child of light?
• Do you judge others by appearances or by their hearts?
• How can you trust God’s purpose in times of struggle?
• What does spiritual blindness look like in your life?
• How can you grow in faith and spiritual sight?
• Are you open to God’s choices, even if they surprise you?
• How can you respond to Jesus with courage and faith?
• What steps can you take to see others with love and mercy?

The music selections for the 4th Sunday of Lent Year A reflect themes of light, healing, and faith. Many of these songs focus on Jesus as the Light of the World, guiding us out of darkness. Others celebrate spiritual sight and renewal, echoing the healing of the blind man in the Gospel. There are also songs of trust and comfort, reminding us that God is our Shepherd who leads us through difficulties. These choices help to deepen the message of faith, hope, and spiritual awakening found in the readings.

• Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone by Chris Tomlin
• Be Thou My Vision by Audrey Assad
• City of God by Dan Schutte
• Healed in Christ by Sarah Hart
• Healing River of the Spirit by Ruth Duck
• I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light by Kathleen Thomerson
• Mighty to Save by Laura Story
• Open My Eyes by Jesse Manibusan
• Open the Eyes of My Heart by Paul Baloche
• Psalm 23: The Lord Is My Shepherd by Rory Cooney
• Psalm 23: The Lord Is My Shepherd by Scot Crandal
• Shepherd of Souls by John B. Dykes & James Montgomery
• The King of Love My Shepherd Is by Henry W. Baker
• The Lord Is My Shepherd by Josh Blakesley
• There Is a Balm in Gilead by Melva Costen
• There Is a Longing by Anne Quigley
• There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy by Fredrick William Faber
• We Walk by Faith by Marty Haugen
• To You, O God, I Lift Up My Soul by Bob Hurd
• You Are the Healing by Scott Soper
• You Are the Light by Sarah Hart

Music directors and musicians are encouraged to explore these selections for the 4th Sunday of Lent Year A. Consider how these themes of light, healing, and faith can enhance worship. Feel free to share your experiences or suggest other fitting songs in the comments. Your ideas can inspire others and create a meaningful worship experience.

What date is the 4th Sunday of Lent Year A?

The next date is Sunday March 15, 2026.
For other years see the links below:
4th Sunday of Lent Year B
4th Sunday of Lent Year C

What are the Mass readings for the 4th Sunday of Lent Year A?

The Catholic Mass readings for Sunday March 15, 2026 are:
First Reading – 1 Samuel 16:1B, 6-7, 10-13A: God’s selection of David as king
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd
Second Reading – Ephesians 5:8-14: Children of the light
Gospel – John 9:1-41: Jesus heals the man born blind

What is the main message of the 4th Sunday of Lent Year A?

The main message is about spiritual sight and faith. Jesus brings light to those who believe in him, while those who reject him remain in darkness.

Why did Jesus use mud to heal the blind man?

Jesus used mud to show his power to heal through simple, earthly things. It also points to God creating man from the earth, showing Jesus’ authority as the Son of God.

What does the healing of the blind man symbolize?

It symbolizes spiritual awakening and faith. Just as the man’s physical eyes were opened, our spiritual eyes are opened when we believe in Jesus.

How does the 4th Sunday of Lent Year A relate to Baptism?

The blind man is healed after washing in the pool of Siloam, which symbolizes Baptism. Through Baptism, we are cleansed of sin and given new spiritual sight.

Why were the Pharisees upset about the healing?

The Pharisees were upset because Jesus healed on the Sabbath, which they saw as breaking the law. They were spiritually blind to the miracle and refused to see Jesus as the Messiah.

What is spiritual blindness?

Spiritual blindness is the inability to see or accept God’s truth. It happens when people are closed off to faith or are unwilling to change their hearts.

How can we avoid spiritual blindness?

We can avoid spiritual blindness by being open to God’s word, praying for understanding, and seeking forgiveness for our sins. Staying humble and willing to learn helps us grow in faith.

How does the first reading connect to the Gospel?

The first reading shows that God looks at the heart, not appearances. In the Gospel, Jesus sees the blind man’s faith, while the Pharisees judge by outward rules and appearances.

How does the 4th Sunday of Lent Year A call us to change?

It calls us to examine our own blindness and seek spiritual sight. We are invited to grow in faith and live as children of light.

Why does the 4th Sunday of Lent Year A focus on light and darkness?

Light and darkness are symbols of truth and ignorance. Jesus, as the Light of the World, brings truth and guidance, while darkness represents sin and separation from God.

What does it mean to live as children of light?

It means to live with faith, truth, and love. By following Jesus, we reflect God’s light to others and walk in goodness and righteousness.