Healing of the Man Born Blind
Matthias Gerung, 1531

Dear friends,

Today, I would like to share my reflections on the story of the healing of the man born blind in John 9:1-41. This powerful story has been passed down through generations and has much to teach us about the nature of suffering and the power of compassion.

The story begins with Jesus and his disciples encountering a man who had been blind since birth. The disciples asked Jesus if the man's blindness was caused by his own sin or the sin of his parents. Jesus replied that neither the man nor his parents had sinned, but that the man's blindness was an opportunity for God's works to be revealed.

In this response, we see the importance of reframing our perception of suffering. Rather than seeing it as punishment for sin, we can view it as an opportunity for growth and transformation. Every challenge we face in life is an opportunity for us to learn and to develop our inner resources.

Jesus then proceeds to heal the man by spitting on the ground, making mud, and applying it to the man's eyes. He then instructs the man to go and wash in the Pool of Siloam. The man obeys, and his sight is miraculously restored.

This healing is a powerful demonstration of the transformative power of compassion. Jesus saw the man's suffering and responded with kindness and empathy. He didn't judge the man or blame him for his condition. Instead, he saw him as a human being deserving of love and care.

But the story doesn't end there. When the man's neighbors and religious leaders learn of his healing, they are skeptical and suspicious. They question the man and his parents, trying to find a way to discredit Jesus.

This reaction reminds us of the power of our own beliefs and prejudices. We often view the world through the lens of our own biases and preconceptions, which can prevent us from seeing the truth.

But the man who was healed remains steadfast in his conviction that Jesus is a prophet sent by God. He refuses to be swayed by the doubts and suspicions of those around him.

This is a powerful reminder of the importance of trusting our own inner wisdom and intuition. When we cultivate a strong sense of inner guidance, we can navigate the challenges of life with grace and resilience.

The story of the healing of the man born blind is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of compassion and the importance of seeing beyond our own biases and preconceptions. May we all strive to cultivate greater compassion and wisdom in our own lives, so that we can be agents of healing and transformation in the world.

Thank you.