The second scrutiny is a time when the catechumens (those preparing for baptism) are questioned and prayed over in the presence of the entire faith community. It is a time for them to reflect on their weaknesses and their need for healing, just as the blind man in John 9 was physically and spiritually blind.
New Vision, New Faith
In John 9:1-41, Jesus heals the blind man by placing mud made with his saliva on his eyes and instructing him to wash in the pool of Siloam. This healing is seen as a sign of Jesus’ power and divinity, and it prompts the man to declare his faith in Jesus as the Son of God.
Similarly, as the catechumens undergo the second scrutiny, they are acknowledging their need for healing and conversion, and they are placing their trust in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Just as the blind man gained a new vision, the catechumens are being prepared to see the world and their place in it in a new light. They are also being prepared to join the faith community, just as the blind man was welcomed into the community after his healing.
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Going Deeper
Fr. Lawrence Mick
The theme of learning to see correctly might provide a solid basis for a Lenten penance service this week. You could use one or more of the readings from this Sunday and perhaps reuse some of the intercessions.
So often what produces growth through the sacrament of penance is coming to see a situation or a pattern of behavior in a new way. And for many people, learning to properly appreciate this sacrament requires seeing it with new eyes — as a celebration of God’s mercy and love rather than primarily a time for self-recrimination. The scrutinies as well as this sacrament require a willingness to look at ourselves with compassion. These rituals also invite us to see God more clearly as the great lover and merciful healer. That’s a great reason to celebrate!
In John 9:1-41, Jesus heals a man who was born blind. The man’s healing causes controversy among the religious leaders of the time, who question the legitimacy of the healing, and ultimately cause the man to be ostracized from his community. Despite the challenges he faces, the man maintains his faith in Jesus and becomes a witness to his healing power. Through his testimony, he finds hope and meaning in his life, as he realizes that his suffering has served a greater purpose.
A Story of Faith, Hope, and Perseverance
This story teaches us that even in the face of adversity, we can find hope and meaning in our lives through faith and perseverance. It shows us that even the most difficult and challenging experiences can serve a greater purpose, and that through our struggles, we can become witnesses to the power of God’s love and mercy.
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Going Deeper
Joan Chittister
In her book “The Liturgical Year”, Chittister reflects on the story’s themes of spiritual blindness and enlightenment, faith, and healing. She points out that the man born blind is a symbol of all who have received what she calls the “third eye” of faith, which sees the world in a different and deeper way.
Fulton Sheen
In one of his sermons, Fulton Sheen emphasized the spiritual blindness of the Pharisees who were unable to see the divine plan and purpose behind the healing of the blind man by Jesus.
“The man born blind saw more clearly than all those who had sight but lacked insight.”
Fulton Sheen saw the story of the man born blind as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual journey of humanity towards enlightenment and salvation.
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The religious leaders excluded the man born blind from their community because he did not fit their criteria of what it meant to be “worthy.” Similarly, some church leaders may struggle with inclusivity, whether it be regarding race, gender identity, sexuality, or socioeconomic status. Failure to embrace diversity and welcome all people can hinder the growth and impact of the church.
Open your eyes, not your mouth
People in the church point fingers and accusing others unjustly of being sinners. They are quick to judge and condemn without truly understanding the situation. The religious leaders in this story were so quick to accuse the man and his parents of sinning without any evidence to support their claim. Similarly, people today often point fingers and accuse others of wrongdoings based on hearsay or their own biases, without bothering to hear the other person’s side of the story.
Embrace the Miracle, Not the Misinterpretation
The Pharisees were so invested in preserving their understanding of the law that they refused to accept the truth of Jesus’ healing miracle. Some contemporary church leaders may also be tempted to defend their own interpretations of scripture or theology at the expense of embracing new insights or perspectives. This can lead to a lack of intellectual curiosity and stifle the church’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
Open to Receive, Ready to Believe
Overall, John 9:1-41 serves as a cautionary example of how clinging to exclusivity and dogmatic thinking can hinder the church’s ability to fulfill its mission of spreading the Gospel and ministering to the world. Church leaders must be open to receiving new knowledge, challenging assumptions, and creating spaces that welcome all people to fully participate in the life of faith.
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Work with a Purpose: God’s Creative and Redemptive Power
There are several ways to relate John 9:1-41 to the theology of work. One possible interpretation is to see the healing of the blind man as a manifestation of God’s creative and redemptive work, which includes the restoration of wholeness and productivity in human beings.
A Miracle of Sight and Salvation
In the context of the gospel of John, the healing of the blind man is described as a sign or miracle that reveals Jesus’ identity as the Son of God and the savior of the world. The blind man, who was unable to see or work, is transformed by Jesus’ touch and command to wash in the pool of Siloam. This physical healing is also accompanied by a spiritual transformation, as the man’s faith in Jesus grows and he confesses him as Lord.
Rediscovering Dignity: A Story for All
From a theological perspective, this story can be seen as an example of the value of human work and the dignity of all people, regardless of their social status or physical condition. The blind man, who was marginalized and dependent on others for survival, is restored to health and independence through his encounter with Jesus. This suggests that God cares about human flourishing and wants us to use our God-given abilities and resources to contribute to the common good.
Redefining Work and Productivity
Moreover, the healing of the blind man also challenges our assumptions and prejudices about what work and productivity look like. In a society that prioritizes physical ability and productivity, the blind man was considered a burden and a liability. Yet, Jesus saw him as a person with potential and a purpose, and empowered him to fulfill his role in society.
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Addiction is often referred to as a form of blindness, as it clouds a person’s judgment and prevents them from seeing their true self and their need for help. Just as the blind man in John 9 had to recognize his own blindness and humbly accept Jesus’ help, addicts must first acknowledge their need for help and be willing to accept support from others. By turning to a higher power and seeking support from others, addicts can find healing and experience the transformation that comes with recovery.
Taking Action for a Clearer Vision
The man in the story had to take action to receive his sight. He had to follow Jesus’ instructions and wash his eyes. In the same way, those in recovery must actively participate in their recovery process by taking action through the 12 steps.
The 12 steps of recovery are designed to guide addicts through this process of self-examination, surrender, and acceptance. These steps encourage addicts to admit their powerlessness over addiction, turn their lives over to a higher power, and make amends for their past mistakes. As they progress through these steps, addicts can begin to experience healing and find freedom from addiction.
Choose Recovery, Honor Your Journey
The story also shows how the man in the story faced skepticism and criticism from others who were unable to understand or accept the miracle he had experienced. Similarly, those in recovery may face similar skepticism and judgment from others who do not understand or accept their journey. However, like the man in the story, those in recovery must remain steadfast in their commitment to the process and have faith in themselves and their recovery.
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This passage can be seen as an example of spiritual warfare, as Jesus and the healed man are pitted against the spiritual blindness and opposition of the Pharisees. Similarly, in the sacrament of confession, individuals must confront and overcome their own spiritual blindness and sinfulness in order to find healing and forgiveness in God.
Seek Forgiveness, Find Freedom.
Confession is an important tool in spiritual warfare, as it allows individuals to acknowledge their sins and weaknesses and seek guidance and forgiveness from God. Just as the healed man in John 9 was cast out of the synagogue by the Pharisees, our sins can separate us from God and our community. However, through confession, we can be reconciled with God and our fellow believers, and be healed of our spiritual blindness and weaknesses.
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The man who was healed demonstrates good stewardship by using his new sight to spread the message of Jesus’ power and grace. He becomes an evangelist and testifies to the Pharisees that he was blind but now he can see because of Jesus. He becomes an example of how we can use the resources and gifts that God has given us to serve others, spread the gospel, and glorify God.
Embrace the Truth, Reject Power
The Pharisees, who were the religious leaders of the time, also had a responsibility to be good stewards of their power and influence. Unfortunately, they failed in this responsibility by stubbornly rejecting the truth, choosing to cling to their own views rather than accepting the miraculous healing that had occurred before their eyes. This serves as a warning against the dangers of self-serving thinking that leads us to reject the truth and neglect our spiritual responsibilities.
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In John 9:1-41, a man who was born blind was healed by Jesus. However, he was met with criticism and disbelief from religious leaders who refused to believe that he was now able to see. The man’s parents were also afraid to defend him, fearing their own rejection from the community.
Similarly, teens who espouse their point of view on new concepts they have learned in school might also face criticism and disbelief from others who refuse to accept the new ideas or ways of thinking. They may feel unsupported and afraid to defend their views, just like the blind man’s parents.
Find Your Voice, Make Your Mark.
However, just as Jesus stood up for the man and his healing, teens who are confident in their newly acquired knowledge can defend themselves and their viewpoints with determination and a willingness to learn and grow. They can seek out support from others who share their ideas and continue to advocate for their beliefs, even in the face of criticism. Eventually, like the man in the story, they may find acceptance and acclaim for their insights and contributions to the community.
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John 9:1-41 is a story about Jesus healing a man who was born blind, and the religious authorities questioning the authenticity of the miracle and the identity of Jesus.
No Justice, No Peace.
In the same way, recent Supreme Court cases have stirred controversy and debate about the interpretation of the law, the role of the court, and the values of society.
For example, during the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett as a Supreme Court justice, who faced questions from lawmakers about her stance on various issues, including healthcare, gun control, abortion, and LGBTQ+ rights, several senators raised concerns about Barrett’s conservative views and potential impact on the Court’s decisions regarding these hot-button issues.
Seeking Solutions for Our Times
The religious leaders in John 9, as well as the lawmakers and people who support or oppose Barrett’s nomination, have their interpretations, beliefs, and choices that affect the individuals involved and the broader society. However, the ultimate outcome depends on individual and collective actions, attitudes, and values that shape the course of history.
Some may argue that these events demonstrate the need for spiritual guidance and moral principles to address the complex issues of our time. Others may see them as opportunities for critical thinking, civic engagement, and social justice.
Ultimately, for most people it depend on one’s religious, philosophical, or political worldview.
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John 9:1-41 describes the story of Jesus healing a man who was born blind. The events that follow include the Pharisees questioning the man about his healing, with the man testifying and defending Jesus, despite the Pharisees’ disbelief. This story touches on several contemporary issues facing church leaders.
Out of the Rut, and Into the Mission
Sometimes, church leaders can become bogged down in bureaucracy and politics, causing them to lose sight of their mission. They may become skeptical of new ideas or methods of outreach, instead relying solely on the tried-and-true methods of the past. However, the story of the healing of the blind man shows us that God works in unexpected ways, and church leaders must be open to these opportunities.
Stand firm in your faith
In many churches, there are controversies, disagreements, and conflicts among members, just like the Pharisees questioning the man who was healed. However, just like the man who was healed, believers should stick to their faith and trust in God’s plan, no matter how challenging it may be to stand firm.
Faith, Not Fear
Moreover, the story also shows that it takes courage and faith to stand up against those who doubt and question one’s beliefs. Sometimes, it is easier to go along with the majority, but true faith requires standing up for one’s beliefs, even in the face of opposition.
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Going Deeper
“I saw in his hand a glorious golden spear, and at the iron tip there appeared to be a point of fire. This he plunged into my heart several times so that it penetrated to my entrails. When he pulled it out, I felt that he took them with it, and left me utterly consumed by the great love of God. The pain was so sharp that it made me utter several moans; and so excessive was the sweetness caused me by this intense pain that one cannot possibly wish to have it removed, nor can the soul be content with anything less than God.” – St. Teresa of Avila, Interior Castle, Seventh Mansions, Chapter IV
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