Fourth Sunday of Lent - 2026

Have you ever noticed in the Bible how Jesus meets people right where they are, but loves them too much to leave them there? We see an example of that in the gospel we just heard. Jesus calls the blind man over and heals him. The blind man needs physical healing and hope. Jesus’ response is to stop, heal, and listen—he meets the man where he is and does not leave him there.

We also see this in other places in the gospel. Last week, with the woman at the well, the Samaritan woman is feeling isolated and ashamed. Jesus talks with her and offers her new life. Again, we see Jesus meet the woman where she is and not leave her there. We see this again in the encounter with Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus is socially rejected because of his job and the way he has treated others. Jesus calls to him, visits, accepts, and restores Zacchaeus as a child of God.

Again, Jesus meets Zacchaeus where he is and does not leave him behind. The adulterous woman is condemned, shamed, and threatened with death, but Jesus protects and forgives her. The paralyzed man needs forgiveness and spiritual healing. Over and over, we see that Jesus meets people where they are and does not leave them behind.

You know, I can’t always know whether I’m at work, sitting in prayer with a retreatant, or encountering someone at the grocery store, what kind of impact I’ve had. Sometimes I come home a little bit tired and uncertain, but I know that God meets me right where I am. And tomorrow morning, I’m going to be awakened with new joy, new peace, new energy, new inspiration, and a brand new start.

First, we meet people where they are by listening and noticing. When we slow down and truly listen, we begin to recognize needs that may not even be spoken. A kind word, a listening ear, or a moment of attention can reveal struggles someone is quietly carrying.

Second, we respond with compassion. Rather than judging someone’s situation, we can choose empathy. Compassion allows us to care for people’s practical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Third, we must be willing to cross barriers. Jesus often reached out to people others ignored or avoided. Following His example means being willing to connect with those who may be different from us or marginalized by others.

Fourth, we practice offering grace. Instead of condemnation, we extend kindness, patience, and forgiveness. Grace reminds people that they are valued and loved.

Finally, we remember the importance of being present. Sometimes the most meaningful gift we can give someone is simply our presence. Sitting with someone in their pain or walking beside them through difficulty can speak louder than words.

So I’m asking you, where is the Lord meeting you right now in your own mind and heart? Where do you need to be forgiven, healed, and given a brand new start? That’s the kind of God we follow. We follow a God that loves us so much, meets us right where we are, but also wants to take us further and give us more.

Let’s continue to trust that, pray for one another that we can believe that, keep it real all the time, and wherever we go, go with that God who walks with us, loves us, and wants to give us an abundance of joy, inspiration, belief, and peace, and a brand new start.

By: Sr. Stefanie MacDonald