by: Deacon Paul Rooney (deaconpaul@cox.net)
Fourth Sunday of Lent
(Cycle “A" – March 6, 2005)

Q. 309: I have never been blind or seeing-impaired (except for needing glasses), so how can I relate to today’s gospel of the blind man (John 9:1-41)?

A. 309: The story of the “man blind from birth” is the story of every Christian. We are spiritually blind until Jesus comes into our lives. If we respond to his initial gift of faith, and celebrate that free gift with the ritual and sacrament of Baptism, then our “spiritual blindness” yields to “spiritual light” as Christ comes to dwell within us.

Others may delude themselves into thinking they can “see,” that they have the whole truth, just like the Pharisees in the gospel, and just like those who willingly Compromise true faith in our own society. However, only Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life! The gospel speaks of the “Pool of Siloam,” and the “blind man” is asked to wash himself in that healing water. “Siloam” means “Sent,” or the “One Sent.” Jesus himself was the One Sent by God to save us and to heal us (John 3:16ff), and it is only in Jesus - - our saving and life giving water - - that we find our newborn eyesight. This spiritual eyesight comes with our Baptism, and also yields a baptismal responsibility to proclaim the news of the Healer and his Healing Power.

There is a risk in being a true follower of Jesus, the risk of being ridiculed and excluded from the social world around us. The Community of St. John and other early Christian communities experienced this rejection, and rejoiced in sharing in the very life of Christ!

Know Your Catechism! Since sin is universal, those who pretend Not to need saving help are “blind” to themselves (CCC #588). Jesus is the truth and the light, and his true followers may not remain in darkness (CCC #2466). Have you formed your conscience properly so that it recognizes the universal truths taught by the Church Magisterium (CCC #1781)?

Deacon Paul Rooney
Mary Our Queen Parish, Omaha