Key words and phrases: blind, now I can see, I do believe, worshiped him

To the point: This long gospel describes a back-and-forth contestation over a sheer statement of fact—“I was blind and now I see”—and the implications of that fact.

The obtuse Pharisees in this gospel refuse to see the implications to which the fact points and refuse to believe in Jesus as the “Son of Man.”

The blind man, however, is open to much more than the amazing fact of his having been healed. He sees its implications: he comes to recognize Jesus, believe in him, and worship him.

This dynamic of healing encounter, belief, and worship defines our own Lenten and life-long journey to new life.

Connecting the Gospel

to the first reading: All of us are a little obtuse—we all choose at times to live “in darkness.” All of us are also “children of light,” continually learning “what is pleasing to the Lord.” The contestation described in the gospel continues within our own hearts.

to experience: Struggles can do us in or help us grow. In either case, they clarify our values and who we are.