Scott Hahn, founder of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, released a reflection on Mar. 13 regarding the readings for the Fourth Sunday of Lent. In his commentary, Hahn discusses how the day’s scripture passages explore themes of spiritual sight and transformation.
The reflection highlights that God’s perspective differs from human ways of seeing, as shown in both the First Reading and the Gospel. According to Hahn, “Jesus illustrates this in the Gospel, as the blind man comes to see and the Pharisees are made blind.” He explains that the story of Jesus healing a man born blind represents all humanity: “‘Born totally in sin’ he is made a new creation by the saving power of Christ.”
Hahn draws parallels between biblical events, noting that just as God created Adam from clay, Jesus uses clay to heal the blind man’s eyes. The act is completed when the man washes in the pool of Siloam, which means “Sent.” Hahn writes that Jesus is “the One ‘sent’ by the Father to do the Father’s will,” and connects this with baptism and receiving new life through Christ.
He also links these themes to other readings for Lent’s fourth Sunday. The Spirit coming upon King David is seen as foreshadowing Jesus as shepherd and king. Quoting Psalm 23, Hahn says believers are led “through the dark valley of sin and death” toward spiritual renewal.
In conclusion, Hahn encourages readers to follow Paul’s advice from Ephesians: “Let him find us… living as ‘children of light,’ trying always to learn what is pleasing to our Father.” He invites believers to renew their faith with words from scripture: “I do believe, Lord.”
