4th Sunday of Lent, 2nd Scrutiny: Light to See Our Blind Spots
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
When we meet different people, we have different reactions. Sometimes we notice them, and other times we do not. If they are “celebrities,” usually we follow the paparazzi to crowd around them. If they are lowly, marginal folks, nobody usually cares. Some people even look away, and others simply speed on.
Today, in the Gospel, we have a wonderful encounter between two persons. One popular – his name is Jesus. He is a celebrity of sorts. He has his followers by his side. The other character is one on the margins – His name is not given. He is simply referred to as the man born blind. He is all alone, separated from his society, family, and loved ones. He is sitting somewhere at the corner of the road or street begging from the passersby.
Unlike our usual reactions, Jesus does not overlook this man. He notices him. Jesus, though famous, makes it his purpose not only to notice the lowly man but to go to him. And, at this contact with Jesus, a big transformation happens. The man sees for the first time in his life. The Light has come to him. The Light has found him. He can now see!
What great joy the Light brings him! The darkness of his life is no more. He marvels at the sight of all the things he was not able to see before. His life is completely changed by the encounter with Jesus. Moreover, physical sight is not all that Jesus gives him. Jesus looks to the very heart of this man. To his heart, he brings the light of faith - An illumination that transcends the physical sight. Faith is the illumination of the heart. With this gift, the man who was born blind is made to recognize the presence of God in the world through Jesus, who reveals himself as the “Messiah.” Thirdly, the man enlightened by Christ becomes light for others.
Dear brothers and sisters, like last Sunday, when Jesus gave us an image of himself as the source of living water, today, Jesus shows himself as the Light by which we see with our hearts. With the light of Christ in our hearts, we see differently.
First, we learn from Jesus to notice others, especially the less noticed. We notice them as Jesus does. Whenever we gaze at others, acknowledging them, something in them changes but also in us. The recognition of our shared humanity becomes a source of strength to one who is seen and the one who sees.
Second, Jesus not only teaches us to notice others, but he lifts us from our weaknesses and the darkness in our lives. He gives us strength to meet others with his hope. St. Paul names what that looks like: “You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness.”
Third, in the man born blind, Jesus gives us an example of a witness, a missionary disciple. After his encounter with the Light, the man born blind becomes bold in his confrontation with the forces of darkness. His life is completely turned around. He, who was blind, becomes a messenger of light, an example of truly seeing.
As we take to heart today’s Gospel, perhaps we can pray with these questions: What are my blind spots as a disciple of Jesus? Those aspects of my life that I am unwilling to bring into the light or where I can do better not only for myself but also for others. Secondly, how can I better see those in need of hope and help around me?
A good place to start paying attention is with our basic community, our family. And, surely, we are not to do this any other way but Jesus’ way – noticing one person at a time. May Jesus, our Light, continue to illuminate our hearts to see one another with the eyes of God. Amen.