Each week of Lent, we’ll provide an Ignatian prayer for you, inspired by a video from Arts & Faith: Lent. The video and prayer for the Fourth Week of Lent, Cycle A, are based on John 9:1-41.
Jesus heard that they had driven him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” He answered, “And who is he, sir? Tell me, so that I may believe in him.” Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he.” He said, “Lord, I believe.” And he worshiped him.
—John 9:35-38
Preparation
As you begin this time of quiet prayer, I invite you to find a comfortable place to sit with your back straight and your legs planted on the ground. Take a few moments to breathe in and breathe out.
Spend this time centering yourself to listen to what God may be saying to you during this time of prayer, to listen to what rises up in your heart. Close your eyes for a few moments. As you sit with your eyes closed, use these or similar words: “Here I am, Lord. Here I am.” When you are ready, open your eyes and pray.
You Have Seen Him
Imagine you are standing outside on a busy, congested street. There are small crowds of people milling about and talking. You have decided to take a walk, because the day is so clear and bright. As you are walking along, you notice two groups of people standing and looking at a man in the center of the group. He is talking, but you cannot hear what he is saying. One of the groups of people is questioning him. You move closer so you can hear. You stand next to a man who is quietly listening to the group. You glance over at him, and he looks at you with eyes that seem to understand what’s happening. As you look closer, you realize it is Jesus standing beside you. What do you say to him? How does Jesus respond to you?
The group continues to question the man in the center of the group. He answers their questions with confidence and assurance. You wonder what might have happened here. Why are these people questioning this man so intently? Jesus motions to you to follow him away from the crowd. You are tentative at first, but you follow him. He walks to a place where it is quiet. He stops by the wall and waits for you. When you come up to him, he asks you a question. What does Jesus ask you? How do you respond?
As the crowd disperses, you hear one of the questioners say, “He cannot be of God. He must be a sinner.” Jesus looks at you and shakes his head. He looks as if this statement makes him sad. You wonder if Jesus had something to do with what just happened to this man. You think, Is he the one who they say is a sinner? Jesus looks at you and asks, “Do you see me? Do you know me?” How do you respond to Jesus?
Where am I blind in my life and need the healing touch of Jesus? The blind man responds to Jesus, “I believe.” Can I respond with the same conviction and faith?
Concluding Prayer
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Read a transcript of today’s video here. The art is El Greco’s Christ Healing the Blind.
