In this Sunday’s longer version of the reading from John’s gospel, we witness a series of dramatic interchanges. As Jesus walks along, he takes notice of the blind man who will play a central part in the upcoming scenes to follow.
Jesus ’disciples question who bore the responsibility for the man’s blindness. There soon becomes a juxtaposition between two differing realities, one of physical blindness and the other of inner blindness. As Jesus refutes the disciples’ assertions, he underscores their blindness, their inability to see and understand God’s ways. Ways not of retribution but ways of divine revelation.
In contrast to other reported miracles, it is Jesus, the healer who is the initiator rather than the one seeking to be cured. The focus is on the blind man, yet he remains nameless. I find myself wondering, was the omission of his name unintentional or by purposeful design? Was the gospel writer, John, extending an opportunity to become more than merely a spectator?
If we stepped into the developing scene as the one born blind, what might we experience?
How might we hear the disciples question Jesus about our blindness? What might we make of Jesus’ self-identification, “I am the light of the world” as one unable to see light?
How might we sense Jesus’ presence as he reaches down and places the moist mud on our eyes?
What might be our experience of being able to see?
How might we feel ourselves reacting to our neighbours and the Pharisees numerous questions? Would we struggle amid our own wonderment to tell others all that had happened?
On this “Rejoice” Sunday of Lent, may the God of Goodness give us eyes to see what good we have not yet noticed in ourselves and others.
-Sr. Nancy Wales, CSJ
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