Gulf Pine Catholic • March 13, 2026 5 Compassionate Service 228-374-5650 Bradfordokeefe.com Opening Remark: Story I grew up in Brooklyn, New York. After Mary and I got married there, we moved to Pennsylvania. We frequently drove to Brooklyn on weekends to be with our parents, siblings, relatives, and friends. As our family grew, the trips to Brooklyn continued with us and our two children. Although the drive took just two and a half hours, one hour was spent in slow, heavy traffic in the Holland Tunnel, going from New York City to Brooklyn. Inevitably, more than once during the trip, our children would ask, “Are we there yet?” What a great question to ponder during the Lenten season and beyond. Because Lent, followed by Holy Week and the Easter Season, offers many opportunities to grow closer to our Lord and strengthen our faith, we must continually ask, “Are we there yet?” God Sees the Heart: In today’s first reading, the prophet, Samuel, learns that he is not “there” yet. Sent by God to Jesse of Bethlehem to anoint one of Jesse’s eight sons as king of Israel, Samuel was ready to run ahead of the Lord and anoint the wrong son. God stopped him in mid-thought and taught Samuel, and us, some valuable lessons. 1. Avoid making hasty judgments without God’s guidance. 2. God’s plans for us are far better than ours. “I know well the plans I have for you” (Jeremiah 29: 11). 3. Trust God, who knows and sees the entire picture, including the future, while we see only a small part. 4. God knows our thoughts and wants to perfect them to align with His will. He does this through the Scriptures, Church teaching, and the wisdom of those who love us and truly care about our spiritual well-being. 5. If you feel that your faith life is not growing as it should and the fruit of your efforts to draw closer to Jesus could be improved, give the Lord full sway over your plans, thoughts, words, and actions. Healing Blindness: Today’s Gospel features a neophyte progressively drawing closer to Jesus while “religious leaders” built walls of separation. Jesus’ initial encounter with the man born blind is a beautiful example of God’s expansive love, generous mercy, and unlimited miracle-working power. Without being asked, Jesus initiated contact with the blind man, prescribed the solution to his problem, and required his cooperation in the miracle-working process -- “Go wash in the pool of Siloam” (John 9: 7). The grueling interrogation of the formerly blind man by the Pharisees sought to prove Jesus as a transgressor of the Law, because He healed on the Sabbath. But their devious plot backfired. The man’s faith was strengthened, and Jesus’ accusers were exposed as blind because they tried to destroy the miracle-working power of God. Anyone who ignores or goes against the will and work of God sets themselves up for failure. Let’s observe the faith progression of the previously blind man. When asked who healed him, he replied, “The man called Jesus.” As the questioning intensified, he identified Jesus as “a prophet,” and later, he worshipped Jesus and called Him “Lord.” Has your faith progressed to the point that Jesus is more than a social reformer, a wise person, a compassionate charismatic leader, and a prophet? He is all that and God incarnate, Lord, Savior, Redeemer, Healer, and Master. Do you strive to do His will, whatever the cost? Wisdom of the Church: Bishop Robert Barron wrote, “Over the years, I have noticed that the holiest people in our tradition are those most aware of their sinfulness. Whether it is Paul, Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Teresa of Avila, Thérèse of Lisieux, or Mother Teresa, the saints are convinced of their inadequacy. When Isaiah encounters the Lord, he says, “I am a man of unclean lips!” Peter, in the presence of the Messiah, says, “Lord, leave me, for I am a sinful man.” G.K. Chesterton said, “A saint is someone who knows he’s a sinner.” Are we there yet? Reflection: Reflect on what needs to happen to advance your faith progression to the next level. 1. Who or what guides your thoughts? 2. Who or what influences your words? 3. Who or what motivates your actions? 4. Should you speak with a spiritual adviser? Action Response: In Luke 6:27-42, Jesus speaks of God-like qualities His disciples should cultivate. Write the names of people you know next to each of the following spiritual attributes and apply the action to that person sometime during Lent and the Easter season. “Be merciful to” (names), “love your enemies” (names), “do good to those who hate you” (names), “bless those who curse you” (names), “pray for those who mistreat you” (names), “stop judging” (names), “stop condemning” (names), “forgive” (names). Deacon Ralph Torrelli is retired and lives in Tennessee. Visit his website: www.homilypearls. com. 1st Reading: 1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a Responsorial Psalm: 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6 2nd Reading: Ephesians 5:8-14 Gospel: John 9:1-41 Fourth Sunday of Lent Are we there yet? Deacon Torrelli Sunday Scripture Commentaries Pray for an increase of vocations to the priesthood, to the diaconate, and to the religious life, especially in the Diocese of Biloxi
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