March 22, 2020 - 4th Sunday in Lent
(Sam 16:1b, 6–7, 10–13; Eph 5:8–14; Jn 9:1–41)
On the surface, this week’s Gospel would appear to be about the physical healing of a blind man, but Jesus is challenging those around him, including his own disciples, to “see” the world in a new way. He is pointing out to them (and to us) that it is too easy to be blinded by a set of false assumptions, prejudices, and egos.
The disciples, neighbors (probably even the man’s parents) believed that the man’s blindness was the penalty for sin. It is easier for them to withhold compassion if they can believe that his blindness was somehow his fault.
The Pharisees stubbornly refuse to see the truth before them, because it challenges what they think they know. Their reputation is based on their knowledge of the law, but Jesus makes a point of “breaking” the law in making the clay to heal the blind man on the Sabbath. God’s mercy is not limited by the rules they teach. The Pharisees are focused on the appearance of following the rules, but “Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance but the LORD looks into the heart.” It is difficult for all of them to admit they might be wrong.
On the other hand, the blind man himself welcomes the miracle as a gift from God and acknowledges Jesus as the Messiah. He has the gift of true sight.