Excerpt
It is interesting to note the attributes of this man. In the gospel story, it is evident this individual had faith for he did not hesitate to walk through town with clay on his eyes in order to wash in the designated pool. This man showed self-control, for after he received his eyesight, he demonstrated constraint amid what could have been irrepressible excitement. He must have been a humble and patient personwho else could be so tolerant as to be questioned numerous times by the neighbors and Pharisees? He demonstrated insight when the Pharisees asked him who he thought Jesus was, and he quickly said a prophet. The blind man also exhibited integrity and truthfulness, for he would not succumb to the pressures exerted by the Jewish leaders who wanted in some way to discredit Jesus. Under scrutiny from the Pharisees, he exhibited sound judgment as displayed by this discourse with them in John 9:30-33: The (blind) man answered and said to them, "This is what is so amazing, that you do not know where he is from, yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if one is devout and does his will, he listens to him. It is unheard of that anyone ever opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, he would not be able to do anything."
What an amazing rebuttal to the prejudiced allegations made against Jesus. Even the Temple lawyers would not have been so eloquent. Finally, when our Lord heard that the man whom he healed had been thrown out of the Temple, he went looking for him. Upon finding him, Jesus asked if he believed in the Son of Man (the Messiah), and the blind man said yes and worshipped our Lord. This act of praise could only come from a person with an open and pure heart. Maybe this life of physical blindness the world would term a misfortune or a curse was actually the herald of a major life blessing to come. If this person had been born with his eyesight, maybe this divine opportunity never would have come his way.
Jesus saw the potential in this man born blind. Although the world had relegated this individual to a position of insignificance or a burden to society, our Lord saw through these secular prejudices into the character of this man. This is why Jesus said to his apostles that the purpose of this mans handicap was so the works of God may be made visible. Here, we are not just talking about the miracle healing of this mans eyes, but the manifestation of his spiritual potential as well. The works of God would be performed by this man starting with his defense of Jesus in front of the Pharisees. Who else stood up for our Lord in this gospel story? Not the disciples, who should have known the truth, nor the parents, who should have been convinced by this wondrous deed, and not the neighbors or townspeople who witnessed this extraordinary event. All of these people were blinded either by their narrow-mindedness, by their own agenda, or by the powerful influence of the Pharisees. It is evident the blessings that could have flowed to these people from the mighty works Jesus performed were in fact blocked from taking shape in their lives. Why? The writer of Psalm 25:4 shows us the requirement: Make known to me your ways, Lord; teach me your paths. Our Lord searches for those who seek Gods will and the truth in this deceptive world. These types of individuals, like the blind man, have the proper disposition to receive graces and wisdom from God. Those who acquire these special gifts from our Lord, are guided by the Holy Spirit in the use of them. What are the priorities in our daily existence that block the graces and blessings from our Lord that could ultimately change our lives for the better?
The way in which the world views an individuals potential is different from the perspective God uses. We are often limited to looking at the external or manifested framework of a person. Our Lord examines the inner recesses of our heart and mind, which often lie hidden from mortal man. His assessment of our ability and potential border on another dimension. Psalm 55:8-9 confirms this notion: For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts. Here God reveals the depth and breadth of his knowledge. His planning and wisdom far exceed our primitive capability. Our Creator can see and comprehend all events in a single instant. We question God on the reason for some occurrence because of our inability to see beyond that circumstance and point in time. Since the wisdom of our Lord is so great and infinite, it necessitates our obedience in following his mandates for our life. Our Creator always has our best eternal interests at heart.
Failure to comply with Gods will can only result in detrimental consequences for us. Psalm 107:17 relates the fate of those who are defiant in the face of Gods calling: Some fell sick from their wicked ways, afflicted because of their sins. This passage of scripture shows the way of sin ultimately leads to suffering, hardship and unhappiness. Sin thwarts the potential God has implanted in each of us. It also destroys the plans he had for our success in serving him in this life. Living for the world is short-sighted indeed. Look at the effects of this situation on our society today: unprecedented depression, addiction, drug use and suicide. These are the type of rewards the world has to offer.
Like the blind man and his apostles, Jesus has called each one of us to rise up in obedience and walk down the path he has designated for us. Our Lord has already conquered the world, so he will enable us to overcome whatever circumstances life has in store. The world will tell us we are not capable or good enough to produce positive results for God. What faulty and ignorant thinking
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