John 9:1-41 

I like to call the story of the blind man the Catholic way of conversion. Unlike last week where the Samaritan woman fought Jesus at every step until the final cave in, today’s blind man begins with the beautiful encounter with Jesus in the restoration of his sight.

In the Catholic way of conversion, we begin with what we think is the true faith, the true knowledge of Jesus. In reality, we have a long way to go, a very long way to go to truly know Jesus. This is the experience of the blind man in today’s gospel passage.

Having experienced the outrageously beautiful gift of sight, the blind man was no doubt confused by the reaction of the Jewish leaders, the people and even his parents. Each step along the way was laden with obstacles that demanded a new decision and a stronger commitment to Jesus. He responds to the crescendoing inquiries and hostility by choosing Jesus at a deeper level each time. In verse (9:12) he says, “a man named Jesus.” In verse (9:17) he says, “He is a prophet.” Then in (9:38) he professes, “I do believe (in the Son of Man) and he worshipped him.”

St. Teresa of Avila’s story follows this pattern. She was a mediocre religious for twenty years. Basically, she let the dry rituals of convent life define her. Then she evolved with a transforming encounter with Christ. She moved from her head to the deepest recesses of her heart and discovered she was loved without condition or limit. This was only possible as she fought off the spirit-killing tentacles of religious life in her time. This was a religious life far removed from the fire and passion of the Jesus of the Gospels. Her consequent radical quest for transforming change was anchored in the growing awareness of the limitless mercy of God revealed in Jesus. Thus, her mantra was, “Keep your eyes on Jesus.” In the process, Teresa moved on the painful but joyful journey from being a pious nun to a glorious saint, a reformer of religious life and a Doctor of the Church.

The blind man was on a similar journey to meet Jesus. His experience was quite different from the rigid, limited vision and hostile response of the Jewish leaders.

Today’s gospel message celebrates the blind man’s call to light physically, and much more so, spiritually. This shines out in contrast to the Jewish leaders’ rejection and hostility to Jesus who is the Light of the World. They were handicapped by their pride and self-interest. We are challenged to break loose of our pride, our self-absorption and a spiritual blindness that lets us think we see. We are called to share the joy and wonder of the blind man in accepting the light of Christ in the darkness of our hearts. We need to respond to the question that the blind man had for the Jewish leaders, “Do you too want to become his disciples?”

On this Fourth Sunday of Lent when we are called to embrace the light and to keep our eyes on Jesus, we need to accept the message of the blind man. He is the one whose journey let him see Jesus.