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Gospel Reading: John 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38 Brief

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Gospel Reading: John 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38 Brief CATHOLIC CONVERSATIONS ON THE SCRIPTURES Archdiocese of Miami - Ministry of Christian Formation March 2, 2008 4th Sunday of Lent (Cycle A) Gospel reading: John 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38 As Jesus passed by he saw a man blind from birth... Jesus spat on the ground, made clay with his saliva, and smeared the man’s eyes with the clay, and said to him, “Go wash in the pool of Siloam” -- which means Sent. So the man went off and washed, and came back able to see. His neighbors and the people who had seen him earlier as a beggar said, “Is not this the one who used to sit and beg?” Some said, “It is,” but others said, “No, he just looks like him.” He said, “I am.” So they said to him, “how were your eyes opened?” He replied, “The man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and told me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ So I went there and washed and was able to see.” And they said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I don’t know.” Next, they took the man, who had been born blind, to the Pharisees. The Pharisees, in turn, began to inquire how he had recovered his sight. He told them, “He put mud on my eyes. I washed it off, and now I can see.” This prompted some of the Pharisees to assert, “This man cannot be from God because he does not keep the Sabbath.” Others objected, “If a man is a sinner, how can he perform signs like these?” They were sharply divided over him. Then they addressed the blind man again, “since it was your eyes he opened, what do you have to say about him?” “He is a prophet,” he replied. “What!” They exclaimed, “You were born totally in sin, and are you trying to teach us?” Then they threw him out. When Jesus heard they had thrown him out he found him and said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” He answered and said, “Who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” Jesus said to him, “You have seen him; the one speaking with you is he.” He said, “I do believe, Lord,” and worshiped him. Brief commentary: Today’s passage focuses on the theme of light and darkness. Throughout the season of Lent, the metaphor of light on the one hand, and darkness, on the other, reflects the way of Jesus in opposition to the ways of sin. This is the sixth “Sign” in John’s Gospel and it is used to illustrate the saying, "I am the light of the world" (8:12; 9:5). The narrative of conflict about Jesus contrasts Jesus (light) with the Jews (blindness, 9:39-41). The theme of water is reintroduced in the reference to the pool of Siloam. Ironically, Jesus is being judged by the Jews, yet the Jews are judged by the Light of the world. The name of the pool reminded John’s readers of the One who was “sent” to cure spiritual blindness. When the Gospel was written, the relationship between Jewish Christians and the synagogue had soured, especially with the increasing Christian insight that Jesus was truly God. This conflict resulted in the excommunication of Jewish Christians from the synagogue. Today’s narrative reflects that historical crisis and the anger of the Jewish Christians; he wrote about a physical cure to call to mind spiritual blindness. The reading is rich in meaning: a) In using saliva, kneading clay, and healing, Jesus broke the Sabbath rules; b) Those who think they can see (in this case the Jews) are, in truth, blind; c) He who was blind from birth took a risk at Jesus’ invitation and ended up seeing; d) The parents refused to take the risk and remained ignorant. There is no one as blind as the person who refuses to see! Today’s reading offers three significant messages: ● Jesus is indeed the LIGHT OF THE WORLD. ● In our Baptism we were immersed in Christ who gives us the light to which God calls us all. ● Jesus denies the connection between sin and suffering in opposition to the Jewish belief that parents’ sin were visited upon their children. (Exodus 20:5) For our shared or personal reflection: After a brief pause for silent reflection share your answers, ideas or feelings. 1. Do you consider illness and suffering punishment for past sins? What can you learn from today’s story? 2. Where is your “blind spot” this Lent? In what areas do you need Light? Explain. Suggested readings: Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraphs 575; 588; 595-596; 1151; 1504; 2173. .
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