The biblical text of the Cycle A of the Lenten Season offers some very specific topics and symbols that can be used as part of the preparation of the Catechumen. These biblical texts highlight consequently the essence of the sacrament of baptism. The stories of the Samaritan woman at the well and the blind man in today’s Gospel are great examples of the powerful symbols used by Jesus to reveal himself to the world while offering humankind his cleansing and the gift of faith. Saint John’s Gospel always, in a very descriptive way, works us through Jesus’ revelation and mission. The story of the blind man is one of the series that requires our full attention since it can lead us to unfold how Jesus brings us to experience his presence in our lives. It is very fascinating to see how Jesus opened the eyes of the blind man, transformed his life, and gave him a new vision of the world around him.
In this text, Jesus pictures for us the huge contrast we are facing: the contrast between light and darkness, pure and impure, old and new, sin and forgiveness, and most of all, the contrast between condemnation and salvation. Amid all these contrasts, Jesus invites us to make the right choice—to trust him. The blind man of today’s Gospel fully understood that and took the greatest risk of his life. This narrative gives us a fine description of the itinerary of faith. First, he identified Jesus as a simple man who healed him, then as a prophet, and finally as God. He confessed that Jesus is God and became ready to share his personal experience. Deep inside, he understood that “not as man sees does God see.” Out of this man’s darkness, God gave him the light—a powerful gift that completely changed his life forever.
There is one thing in the Gospel that is extremely compelling. After all the discussion and trials, people refused categorically to accept the fact that he could see. Since he was condemned from birth to being in darkness, they tried to make it harder for him to see the light. Instead of rejoicing with him, everyone interrogated him. Interestingly, not only had he not done anything wrong, but he did not even ask to be healed. He simply received freely the gift of healing offered by Jesus and responded faithfully to it. His only defense was his conviction of being able to see and his faithfulness to his spiritual experience: “I met a man, and he healed me.” That is what mattered to him.
Today, the call is to get out of our darkness and become sons and daughters of the light. Like Saint Paul said to the Ephesians: “You were once in darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” Let us together embrace the light of Christ in our lives, especially during this Lenten journey. To be able to see like the blind man, we need to be washed and cleansed from our sins. As we enter this fourth week of Lent, let us be mindful of our own need to be forgiven. Let us pray with conviction: “Lord, open our eyes; let your light shine upon us.”
