Dear Parish Family,

"What do you see?" The question of perception is paramount in our Scriptures this Fourth Sunday of Lent. I find it interesting how people can perceive the same reality in different ways. Like a Rorschach inkblot test, or the interpretation we give to a work of art, our minds capture an image and likeness that corresponds to some aspect of reality that reveals itself to us. Sometimes our perceptions grasp a deeper spiritual reality than what appears on the surface, while other times our perceptions miss the deeper meaning.

As Samuel looks upon the sons of Jesse, his perception of the strength and stature of Jesse's finest sons allures him: "Surely the Lord's anointed is here before me." But the Lord reminds him, "Do not judge from appearances or lofty stature, for man sees the appearance but the Lord looks into the heart." It is not until the youngest son, David, is presented before him that Samuel sees as the Lord sees and anoints him King of Israel.

As Jesus, the Son of David, heals the blind man and brings him to faith, the Pharisees and Jews in John's Gospel remain blind to who Jesus is and are prevented by their willful ignorance from coming to faith in Christ. While all perceive the same miraculous healing of the man born blind, some come to faith through the opening of their eyes to the reality of Jesus as the Messiah while others remain in darkness by their obstinate refusal to see as God sees. 

These reflections on perception and faith remind me of a quote attributed to St. Thomas Aquinas: "To one with faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation will suffice." Aquinas would be the first among us to align faith with reason, so he is not arguing against the necessity of giving explanations and reasons for what we believe. His quote, however, recognizes the importance of opening reason unto faith. For just as reason purifies faith from superstition, faith opens reason to the transcendent truths of God. 

So, what do you see? Do you see reality as God sees, in the light of faith and the truth of creation and the human person? Ponder this question this week. More specifically, do I see a person or a problem in front of me? Do I see an object of pleasure or a gift from God? Do I see something to complain about or an opportunity for growth? Do I see only the limitations of fallen humanity or the possibility of sainthood inherent in myself and those around me? How we choose to see will determine our reality, so choose to see as God sees, into the heart!

We have another great week of Lent ahead! As always, we have our Friday Fish Fry at St. Mary's from 4:30 - 7:00 pm. Stations of the Cross on Fridays at 7:00 pm at both St. Mary's and St. Patrick's. On Saturday, March 21, we are celebrating a belated St. Patrick's Feast Day Mass at 4:00 pm and Corned Beef Dinner at 5:00 pm at St. Patrick's. Also, please pray for our First Communicants celebrating their Jesus Day retreat next Saturday morning!

I am yours in Christ,

Fr. Scott Goodfellow