Simply the Sermon for March 15, 2026: Fourth Sunday in Lent

Our readings for Sunday, March 17, the 4th Sunday in Lent are: 1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41. This Sunday is called Laetare Sunday or Rose Sunday. It is the halfway point in Lent. Traditionally, this Sunday is a day of celebration within the more solemn period of Lent. It is a day specifically appointed to rejoice!

The gospel for this Sunday is the story of the man born blind healed by Christ. “I was blind, now I see,” declares the man. In baptism God opens our eyes to see the truth of who we are: God’s beloved children. As David was anointed king of Israel, in baptism God anoints our head with oil, and calls us to bear witness to the light of Christ in our daily lives. We are recreated from dirt to mudpies to disciples.

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash