SATURDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD (SATWOG– MARCH 14TH, 2026) INSPIRING REFLECTIONS OF MEMBERS

Laity Reflections for 4th Sunday in Lent, Year A

First Reading: 1 Samuel 16:1b;6-7;10- 13a

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23:1 -3a;3b-4;5;6 (R. 1)

Second Reading: Ephesians 5.8-14

Alleluia: John 8:12

Gospel: John 9:1-41

Ebonine Tochukwu Joachim, MCD

REFLECTION

Christ; the Light

In this 4th Sunday of lent, we explicitly see the theme of light from the 2nd and Gospel readings. Implicitly, this theme is also seen in the 1st reading.

We are invited to accept Christ who is the light that brings us to light and dispel every darkness in us, that we may seize to be people of darkness and become transformed into people of light.

Having accepted Christ: the light, we will begin to look not by sight but by faith (cf. 2 Cor. 5:7). We will begin to see as Christ would want us to see: greatness in little things, just as in the 1st reading, God instructed Samuel to anoint David; the little shepherd boy.

Having accepted Christ: the light, situations of our life will be turned to give glory to God, just as the man born blind. Our spiritual blindness will be healed for us to acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God and believe in Him.

This season of Lent, having accepted Christ the light, our eyes will be opened to our own darkness and secret behaviours, that we may repent of them all and begin to walk in the light with actions pleasing to God. 

We pray that our shackles of spiritual blindness may be healed by the light (Christ), that we may not be enclosed by self righteousness just like the Pharisees, but be open in humility for the darkness in us to be dispelled by the light of Christ. Amen!

 May we have a wonderful day ahead!!! 💞

Udeh Vincentsavio

REFLECTION

The first reading shows us that God's ways are not man's ways. Most times, man is moved by outer appearance, swayed by emotions and can be easily manipulated. This sometimes affects our life choices. We must always pray for the spirit of discernment and be totally submissive to the will of God.

The responsorial psalm is one of the most popular psalms. We have become so familiar with it that we do not reflect on the words and its meaning. When we recite the Psalm, do we do so like one reciting a familiar poem or literary work? Or do we recite it like one who truly knows the Shepherd?

Chris-Marie Obi

REFLECTION

The story of the appointment of David as king of Israel is one of the most fascinating stories in the Old Testament.

David was the youngest son in his family and seemed unrecognized. Even his father, Jesse, did not initially count him among the sons when Samuel came to anoint the next king.

Jesse presented seven of his sons before Samuel, yet God rejected every one of them. The one chosen by God was not in the house. He was somewhere in the field, quietly tending the animals. Only when David was brought in, did God reveal His choice.

This story reminds us of something powerful: you may not be recognized by people, you may not be counted among the important ones, but God knows you. He knows your name. He sees where you are, even when others overlook you.

And when the time is right, He will call you forward.

May God remember and recognize you. AMEN.

Edward Osivue Okhumoya

REFLECTION

The first reading is a testimony that the Lord works in a mysterious ways. His thinking is far from that of man. Samuel has envisioned and evaluate Eliab as the man fit for the job. But God sees the end from the beginning. This story, is what we all face everyday. We assumed like Samuel and make our judgement about others. But the blessing of God is not something man can predict.

David finds favour in the sight of God because of his relationship with him. It's better to stand alone when you are holding on to the truth than to join the winning team of sinners.

The connection of the Responsorial Psalm reminds us that, with God on our side we are more than conquerors. Imagine being shielded by a King, in this scenario (Lord almighty is a universal King). He will direct and guide us with wisdom and might, no evil will ever prevail over us, because even if we walk in the deepest darkness His staff will comfort and direct us.

The second reading, which is the letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians, is an indicator and reminds us that the Lord is the light and life– when He walk with us, no matter the storm and darkness, His presence brings joy, love, comfort and victory over evil.

Finally, I will end my reflection on the great miracle done by our Lord Jesus Christ to the blind man who was born blind. The man made his own effort by believing and acting with strong faith. Miracles still exist till now. What stops yours? Each time you call on the Lord in the Tabernacle, is there a fear of "what if"? Instead drop the situation at Jesus' feet like the blind man did and see Him change the mourning into joy.

Paddy Kevwe

REFLECTION

Do not relent in doing that which is good because one day it will pay off for you. Do not forget the fact that no matter what we do, people must talk about it mostly in the negative light.

Jesus healed a blind man, and was called a sinner simply because he did that on the Sabbath day, but then, the good work he has done, by healing the man, continues to bear witness to the fact that He is not a sinner because others could see that His deeds are not of a sinner.

May we not be like the Pharisees who would do anything to bring Jesus down despite all the good works He has been doing, which are visible. Rather, we should emulate Jesus to do the work of Him who sent Him, and that work is that of doing good, healing and blessing others.

How far have you gone with your Lenten journey? 

Have you improved on doing good or evil?

Do you speak well of what others do or we castigate them with fabricated lies?

We still have time, for we rejoice today because we have gone halfway in our Lenten journey, we can still make a difference and decide to be better than what we used to.

May God help us with His grace, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Jude Okoro

REFLECTION

Dear friends in Christ, the readings of tomorrow powerfully calls us to shine out our light.

In the first reading in the book of 1st Samuel, God is reminding us that He looks and sees beyond our outward appearances but looks at the inner heart, and like David, we are chosen and anointed for a purpose in life which is to shine God's light in our lives, family and the world at Large.

The Lord is our Shepherd, as the Responsorial Psalm and Psalm 23 would say, God is guiding and will always comfort us through life's valleys, trials and tribulations. He prepares a table for us, anointing us with blessings and overflowing our cup, and his goodness and mercies would always be and abide with us always, and we shall end up in his heavenly kingdom for ever. Dear friends, this is God's promise to each and everyone of us.

That is why each and everyone of us has been called to live as children of light, so as to expose and overcome darkness in our lives and family.

In the Gospel of John, the story of the man born blind teaches each and everyone of us about the importance of spiritual sight. Jesus Christ of Nazareth is the Light of the world, he opens our eyes to see God's glory and gives us new life.

Dear friends in Christ, are we allowing God's light to shine through us? 

Are we seeing with our spiritual eyes? 

Today is a day of salvation, oh that today you listen to his voice, harden not your hearts. May God bless his words in our hearts through Christ our Lord. Amen.