(Source from “The Word Among Us”)

He opened my eyes. (John 9:30)

Today’s Gospel seems to be a simple miracle story. But it contains rich insight for us if we, like the blind man, allow Jesus to open our eyes.

Notice that this man was born blind. He had never been able to see his mother’s face or the light of a sunrise. For his entire life, he saw only darkness, and his condition was considered incurable.

Since we were born with the blindness of original sin, we can all identify with the challenges this man faced. Just as his physical blindness made it difficult for him to live in freedom and independence, so our spiritual blindness causes us to struggle to find our way to God. We lack the light to walk in love and holiness, and God can seem distant to us.

Jesus spotted the man in his isolation and suffering and reached out to him (John 9:1). He applied mud to his eyes and told him to wash in the pool of Siloam. Suddenly, this man, who had never seen anything before, “came back able to see” (9:7). He could see his parents and the streets of Jerusalem—as well as the mockers who disputed his healing. Best of all, he saw Jesus! And although it took time, he came to recognize Jesus as the Lord and worshipped him (9:38).

Just as Jesus healed this man of his blindness, he has washed you clean of sin and healed your spiritual blindness in the waters of Baptism. No more stumbling in darkness—you have Jesus, the Light of the World, to guide you! No more hiding in shame over your sin—you are forgiven! No more isolation—you are a child of God and a member of his family! You may experience some lingering effects of sin, but Jesus offers you an opportunity to see more clearly each and every day. In time, he will overcome all your darkness.

Rejoice: Jesus has opened your eyes!

“Thank you, Lord, for your grace. I was blind, but now I see.”