March 15, 2026 – "When a Blind Man Met Jesus" – Rev. Dr. Sam Parkes

The 4th Sunday in Lent

March 15th marks the 4th Sunday in Lent. This week, in the sermon series "Face to Face & Heart to Heart," Rev. Dr. Sam Parkes' sermon "When a Blind Man Met Jesus" will focus on John 9:1-41.

This story begins with a meeting between a blind man and Jesus, although it quickly spirals to include different factions of his community. For the blind man, however, all the theological questions and entrapments are of little use; the salient point is that Jesus heals him. He was blind, and now he sees. How often do we muddy miracles with questions about propriety and procedure? The blind man shows us how to embrace the miraculous. Meeting Jesus may not heal us in the way the blind man was healed, but Jesus does heal us from the need to point fingers, lay blame, and suspect goodness.

Notes from the Bench

Our Gospel reading today tells the powerful story of Jesus healing the man born blind (John 9:1–41). In this encounter, Jesus restores not only physical sight but also spiritual vision. During Lent, we are invited to reflect on how Christ opens our eyes—helping us see God’s presence more clearly in our lives and in one another.

Our hymns today echo this theme. One of the most beloved is “Amazing Grace,” written in 1772 by former slave trader turned Anglican priest John Newton. After surviving a violent storm at sea, Newton experienced a profound spiritual conversion. His hymn reflects that transformation, captured in the famous line: “I once was blind, but now I see.” The words resonate beautifully with today’s Gospel story.

Our music also nods to Saint Patrick's Day, celebrated this week. The prelude, Highland Cathedral, is arranged by Charles E. Callahan Jr. (1951–2023), an American organist and composer known for his many works for church musicians. The Celtic spirit continues in our offertory and postlude by Hans-André Stamm (b. 1958). Though German, Stamm has a special love for Celtic musical traditions and often blends classical organ writing with Irish and Scottish folk-inspired melodies.

Our anthem, Psalm 16 (My Refuge) by Craig Courtney, reminds us that God is our refuge and guide. As we continue our Lenten journey, may the music and scripture today help open our hearts and eyes—to God’s grace, to the needs of others, and to the hope that Christ brings into our lives.

Worship Service will also include the hymns O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing, Open Our Eyes, and Amazing Grace. Come join us at 9:00 a.m. as we Worship Together. We hope something in this music and message uplifts and strengthens your spirit. You are always welcome here.

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