Brothers and Sisters,
Who was this blind man in the Gospel reading today? (Jn 9:1-41) Interestingly, he does not have a name. He is only referred to as the “man blind from birth.” This is significant in the Gospel of John, because the fact that there is no name indicates that we should see ourselves in this story.
Spiritual “blindness” is our inability to see the hand of God at work all around us. We struggle to see the daily miracles of God’s grace alive in our lives and alive in the lives of others. So, we should strive to acknowledge and overcome our lack of sight. We should strive to realize that we so often do not see God at work. This realization will inspire us to desire a spiritual healing. It will invite us to want to see God at work.
The good news is obviously that Jesus cured this blind man, as He willingly desires to cure us. Restoring sight to the blind is easy for Jesus. So, the first prayer we should pray as a result of hearing this story is simply, “Lord, I want to see!”
The humble realization of our spiritual blindness will invite God’s grace to work in us. And if we do not humbly acknowledge our blindness, we will not be in a position to seek and receive God’s healing. When we do “see” Him at work in the ordinary activities of our life, we will be most definitely healed of our spiritual blindness.
Reflect, today, upon this act of Jesus, and allow our Lord to smear His spit and dirt on your eyes. Allow Him to give you the gift of spiritual sight. And as you begin to see His presence in your life, you will be amazed at the beauty you behold.
God Bless,
Deacon Howard