THE BLIND MAN (Jn 9:1-41)
Prayer:
O Jesus, make me a faithful disciple, even amid persecutions.
Imagination:
Picture Jesus healing the blind man.
Context:
John’s gospel is built around 3 main stories. The Samaritan woman represents a beginner who has accepted Jesus as Messiah. The blind man (in this gospel) is the disciple who is faithful during his lifetime. Lazarus is the believer on his death bed, trusting that Jesus will be his resurrection. Although the blind man faces many conflicts, he comes to full faith.
Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)
As Jesus walked along he saw a man who was blind from birth. Jesus spat on the ground and made clay which he put to the blind man’s eyes. “Go and wash in the pool of Siloam”. He washed and came back, able to see. His neighbors and those used to seeing him beg, asked, “Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?” Some claimed it was. Others said that it was just someone who looked like him. The man said, “I am the one.”
They took the man born blind to the Pharisees, who asked how he regained his sight. He said, “He put mud on my eyes. I washed it off and now I can see.” The Pharisees said, “This man cannot be from God because he does not keep the Sabbath.” Others asked, “If he is a sinner, how can he perform these signs?” They were divided. The Pharisees said to the blind man, “He opened your eyes. What do you have to say?” He is a prophet”, he replied. They exclaimed, “You are steeped in sin from birth and you are giving us lectures?” With that, they threw him out bodily. Hearing of his expulsion, Jesus sought him and asked, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” He answered, “Who is he, sir, so that I may believe in him?” Jesus replied, “He is speaking to you now.” “I do believe”, he said and bowed down to worship him.
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
- Blind from birth, the man has never enjoyed sight. Now, he meets Jesus.
- The washing in Siloam is a symbol of Baptism, the source of inner enlightenment.
- His conversion is so great that he becomes an excellent witness for Jesus.
- Those with simple hearts accept the miracle as coming from God’s hands.
- The complicated religious leaders reject him.
- Jesus reveals his identity, like he did to the Samaritan woman at the well. (C4).
- What a journey! Through so many trials! From blindness to full faith.
Affections. (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- O Jesus, come to me this day.
- Open my eyes to the wonders of your Kingdom.
- I will tell the whole world what you did for me.
- Even if I am misunderstood and persecuted, I will tell of your blessings.
- Reveal yourself to me.
- Bring me through all my trials.
- Take me from darkness into light.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ I will ask Jesus to remove all my blindnesses.
+ I will witness to others, telling what happened to me.
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)
Do you believe in the Son of Man? He is speaking to you now.