The WORD in other words (2017) by Father Dante Barril SVD – Rome, Italy
4th Sunday of Lent – A
When we think of Lent, we often picture sacrifice: abstaining from meat, praying the Stations of the Cross, meditating on Christ’s suffering, and contemplating His crucifixion. Rarely do we associate Lent with grace. Yet today’s readings remind us that grace — God’s free gift — is at the heart of this season.
In the first reading (1 Samuel 16), David was chosen by God to be king. He did not ask for it, nor expect it. He was content as a shepherd, yet God’s grace lifted him to a new calling.
In the Gospel (John 9), the man born blind did not ask to be healed. He was simply living his life when Jesus restored his sight. Grace came unbidden, unexpected, undeserved.
During Lent, many of us watch The Passion of the Christ and feel guilt for Christ’s suffering. Sometimes we even think: “Lord, I did not ask You to carry that cross for me.” And that is precisely the point. Grace is not something we asked for, nor something we earned. It is pure gift. If salvation were merely a response to our request or reward for our effort, it would be no more than cause and effect. But grace is God’s initiative, freely given out of love.
Baptism reveals this truth. A baby cries, unaware of what is happening, yet receives the gift of new life in Christ. That is grace: God acting first, before we even understand. As St. Paul says: “The love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit” (Romans 5:5).
David did not complain about being chosen; the blind man rejoiced in his healing. Likewise, we did not ask to be saved, but we can rejoice in the gift. Hanging out with angels someday surely beats becoming nothing. Grace transforms our destiny.
Lent is not only about sacrifice; it is about grace. God’s free gift comes to us unasked, undeserved, and unexpected. Our task is simply to receive it with gratitude and let it change our lives.
“Lord, thank You for the grace I did not ask for. Teach me to live in gratitude, to embrace Your mercy, and to share Your love with others.”
