Who is really blind?

This Sunday’s Gospel commonly called The Man Born Blind from the ninth chapter of St. John chronicles the healing of blindness and the movement towards faith.  While much is made of the miraculous healing, what is remarkable is that the action of Jesus in removing the blindness of the man does not lead to the praise of God. Rather, those on the edges of the story are cast into roles of doubt, uncertainty, hesitation and outright rejection.  Family members and other familiar with the man allow their fear to recognize only the blindness of the man and not the new man before them.  While he does not yet fully appreciate the person who healed him, he is different and struggles to testify to this new identity found in his interaction with Jesus.  He grows in understanding how he has changed, not just physically with vision, but with a whole new view of God’s action in his life. 

As he is shuttled from one group to another, he continues to learn about what people are saying about Jesus and the implications of the man’s new association with him.  The Pharisees question his dignity, family connection, and his association with Jesus.  While the Pharisees are concerned with the “how” this happened, the man grows in longing to know “who” effected this change; he longs for a relationship with the healer who he believes must be from God.  This brings about a final rejection from the Pharisees who are unable to consider this truth and the man is ejected.  The story ends with Jesus confirming the man’s faith, in that he both sees and hears the revelation of God.  The man bows before the One who makes God known.  He believes, and his life is different.

Such is often the case when one comes to really know God in one’s life.  The relationship calls for changes and those closest to us may struggle with this “new person” changed by God’s love.  There are many stories of families failing to support a chosen vocation to priesthood or religious life out of misunderstanding or fear.  Parents have been reluctant to foster faith in the home fearing it will seem “out of step” with their friends.  Believers are reluctant to speak to their faith among friends for fear of judgment.  The culture overwhelms the practice of faith with “demands” on time, attention, and opportunities that may be lost. 

The Gospel of the Man Born Blind challenges us to consider who really is blind: the man in the story or all those around him who choose to be unaffected by his healing?  As is valuable in many gospel stories, who are we in the story?  The person of faith challenged to believe more deeply?  The Pharisees who only see the world from their view allowing for no other interpretations?  The parents who are fearful of what others may say?  The observers who are curious but not interested enough to really engage?  Who is really blind in the story?  Do we share that blindness in our journey of faith?

 

Welcome Laura Cooman

As we celebrate the Entrance into Jerusalem by our Lord on Palm Sunday, we will also welcome our new parish music director to St. Gabriel’s, Laura Cooman.  She and her family are in the process of moving to St. Louis from Virginia.  We look forward to her arrival and sharing in her musical ministry.  I also wish to thank all the cantors who have been leading our worship during this time of transition.  Both adults on Sunday, and the children during the week have continued to help us lift our voices in song to the Glory of God…. many thanks.

Holy Week Schedule;

Monday, March 30: Mass at 6 & 8 am; Confessions at St. Raphael’s from 6:30 pm until all are heard.

Tuesday, March 31: Mass at 6 & 8 am; Confessions at St. Gabriel’s from 6:30 pm until all are heard

Wednesday, April 1: Mass at 6 & 8 am; “Silhouette Stations” at St. Gabriel’s at 8 pm by Youth Group

Thursday, April 2: Morning Prayer at 8 am; Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7 pm; Church open to 11 pm

Good Friday, April 3: Morning Prayer at 8 am; Stations of the Cross at 12 Noon;

Service of the Passion of the Lord at 3:00 pm

Holy Saturday, April 4: Morning Prayer at 8 am; Easter Vigil at 8:00 pm

Easter Sunday, April 5: Masses offered at 6:30 am, 8:00 am, 10:00 am and 5:30 pm