Jesus looks at people as the One who has sent him looks at them. If we look as he does, we shall have the light of life and do good works.

Jesus and his followers do not look at the man blind from birth in the same way. On the one hand, the disciples take blindness as God’s punishment for sin. The Teacher, on the other hand, does not look for someone to blame or punish. Rather, he means to help the blind man and show God’s works through him.

But to be fair, the followers of Jesus are asking and wondering. They are looking to him for answer. So, there is still hope for them to see the light.

One cannot say the same, however, of those who “have no doubts” at all. They are so very sure of themselves and of what they know. They only look to themselves, then, for answer to every question. And so, they cannot wonder. That is to say, they do not let anyone, anything, wound or pierce the membrane that keeps their minds closed.

Moreover, not only do they think of themselves as the authority. They see to it, too, that those who are below them know and feel it. So, they are the ones to say who are sinners and who are not, who are in and who are out. They take the place of God. Surely, they are the forebears of those who call for superiors to play the master, which is not Jesus’ way (SV.EN XI:313).

Jesus does not look down on people; he brings them in, instead of throwing them out.

A true servant, Jesus heals the blind beggar and takes him out of the outskirts. He wants him to belong. But, sadly, even his parents do not seem to want to have anything to do with him due to fear. In no time, too, do the wise excommunicate him.

Jesus, however, goes to look for the one who has been thrown out. And finding him, he makes him see even better, for he gives him the light of faith.

And if we, too, look at poor people by the light of faith, we shall see more than what meets the eye (SV.EN XI:26). We will also get to worship as well as they do (SV.EN XI:190; SV.EN XII:142), better than the wise. With good works, besides, our light will shine before others for the Father’s glory (Mt 5, 16). We will, then, not be blind fools who misconstrue everything due to greed (Mt 23, 16-22).

Lord Jesus, you love us so much that you give your body up and pour out your blood for us. We believe in you and look to you to give us the light of life.

22 March 2020
Fourth Sunday of Lent (A)
1 Sam 16, 1b. 6-7. 10-13a; Eph 5, 8-14; Jn 9, 1-41