Things to talk about:

• In this Gospel, blindness symbolizes lack of faith. Why do you think that some people did not believe that he was the Son of God and long-awaited Messiah even though they witnessed his miracles?
• Why do you think some people today don’t believe in Jesus? How can we help people believe in Him?
• When has someone reached out to you and shared God’s light with you?

Things to do:

• March 17, we honor St. Patrick. Learn more about this Saint, www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources, search St. Patrick. He used the three-leaf clover to show people how there could be three persons in one God. Celebrate with something green for dinner or make Homemade Soda Bread. Click HERE for recipe.
• For Families: Act out this Gospel assigning various roles to family members. Talk about each character and discuss if that person recognized Jesus’ amazing miracle and saw the truth about God. Share insights gained as a result of playing their role.
• Research local organizations that help the blind. Consider donating used glasses to local organizations.
• Complete the 4th week of Lent crossword puzzle. Click HERE.
   
   

Closing Prayer

Pray the Prayer of St. Patrick

Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me, Christ within me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ at my right, Christ at my left.

Name those who need our prayers. Close with the Sign of the Cross.

Catholic Insight

The man born blind never expected to see, but Jesus opens his eyes. Jesus wants to open our eyes and our heart to be filled with light. Physical blindness cannot hinder us, we can only be held back by the blindness to the presence and ways of God.

                Jesus is the Light of the World. He is the Source of all truth. He enlightens the minds and hearts of all who seek the truth. (CCC 298)

                Jesus will transform us every time we have an encounter with him, since God sees who we are deep down inside and knows exactly what we need to grow.

Did you know?.... In Jesus’ time, it was believed that if a person had a disability, it was caused by some sin by the person or their family. Jesus dispelled this idea and showed compassion on those who were in need of healing.

Additional key concepts for this week:

Source of all truth– God is the ultimate source of all truth. He is the author of all reality. Jesus Christ embodies this truth (“I am the way, the truth, and the life”), while the Church guards and proclaims this truth through Sacred Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium

• Sacred Scripture: The inspired Word of God.

• Sacred Tradition: The teaching passed down from the Apostles.

• Magisterium: The teaching authority of the Church, which interprets Scripture and Tradition

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Our Extended Family—St. Joseph (Feast Day March 19)

The Gospels of Matthew, Luke, and John tell us everything we know about Joseph, the husband of Mary, the Mother of God. Because Jesus was conceived through the power of the Holy Spirit, God the Father is Jesus’ “real” father. But God called Joseph to be his foster father and care for him during his earthly life. The importance of Joseph’s part in God’s plan is found in the Book of Isaiah in the Old Testament. Through the prophet Isaiah, God promises to send a Messiah to save all people. The Savior will come from the “house of David,” which means that he will be an ancestor of King David. Both the Gospel of Luke and Matthew tell us that Joseph was from the family of David. Today, St. Joseph serves as a model for husbands and fathers.

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Resources adapted from 52Sundays.com, Celebrating the Lectionary, At Home with the Word, Celebrating Families, Sunday Connection