4th Sunday of Lent - Year A (John 9, 1-41)

Last week we looked deep into Jacob’s well with the woman of Samaria.  This week we look into the flame of the paschal candle.  (It is no accident that they stand next to each other in many churches, just as last week’s Gospel stands next to this one on these consecutive Sundays in Lent.)  In this flame is that same light first created when God said “Let there be light”.  Here are the sun, moon, and stars.  Here are fireflies and florescent creatures of the deep.  Here is the pillar of flame that led the people of Israel through the dessert.  Here is the sacrificial fire of the Temple.  Here is the burning coal that touched Isaiah’s lips.  Here is the fiery furnace and the fiery chariot.  Here is the miraculous light of Hanukkah and here is the star that guided the magi.  Here is the light of revelation to the gentiles.  Here is the light that came into the world to scatter the darkness and to make the blind to see.