The gospel begins with a man who had been blind since birth. Many people around him view his condition as a punishment or the result of someone wrongdoing. This was the common view held by the Jews. In that culture, suffering was often explained by blame.
But Jesus shifted the focus away from blame and toward purpose. In stead of asking who was responsible of the man’s condition. He demonstrated that even painful circumstances can become opportunities for God’s goodness to be revealed.
This message speaks to us. Today, when people face illness, disability, financial hardship or personal struggles, people rush to judge or explain the situation. The story reminds us that a person’s difficulty does not define their worth or their potential.
After the man received his sight, something happened. The miracle did not simply restore his physical sight; it also revealed the attitudes of the people around him. Some celebrated the healing, but others questioned it, criticized it, or refused to believe it. Sometimes society is quick to label people but slow to recognize transformation.
The man who had been healed, however, showed courage and honesty. Though he did not understand everything about what had happened, he confidently shared what he experienced. His simple testimony became powerful because it was genuine. He spoke about the change that occurred in his life. It reminds us that personal experience can be a strong witness.
The gospel readings for the scrutiny Sundays clearly lay out the choices place before the elect and the rest of the community. Last Sunday, it was water that quenches thirst and water that does not. Jesus identifies himself as the source of water that guarantees eternal life.
This Sunday, the elect and all of us are exhorted to make a choice : Will it be the standard of the world or the power of God in Jesus Christ?
Fr. Alex Osei
SSC-USA Spiritual Director