Today - the Fourth Sunday of Lent - Holy Scriptures - very powerful filled with meaning for everyone. The Lord speaking to Samuel - not as man sees does God see. Paul instructing the Ephesians - live as children of the light - Gospel - Jesus opening the eyes of the blind - giving sight to those who see. This Sunday also the second scrutiny for the catechumens - asking them to consider how well prepared they are on their journey towards baptism - confirmation - Eucharist. For those - already full members of the Church - asking us to consider our own journey - have we followed what we were taught - are we being the active disciples - members of the community - leading others to Christ. All of us have heard the -Words - have we really listened to what we heard. A difference in hearing - listening - contemplating - what those words were asking us to do. For the catechumens - have those words encouraged them on the journey - inspired them to make a real commitment to Christ. For us - are we still deeply committed to the words we heard years ago that brought us to this day.
Jesus told His disciples - words not enough - once one hears - action demanded. What naturally follows words - are works. Inspired - encouraged by the Holy Spirit - words spoken by God - Jesus - our eyes having been opened - the darkness wiped away - born again as children of the light - we see - we believe. In Lent - hours spent in prayer - meditation - study - adoration - leading to works of charity - service - to others. For each of us - are we only saying words - or - have our words born fruit in the works we are doing.
Deacon Dale
