The focus for today's Gospel is predominately on the man born blind. Interestingly, we have not only his interaction with Jesus but also with the Jewish authorities. As a Jew he does not have the benefit of the New Testament, the example of our parents or other sources that we have when we come to rely on in faith. Rather, he can only go on what he has experienced in his encounter with Jesus. he reasons thus: "Here is an astonishing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but he does listen to one who worships him and obeys his will. Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing." (Jn 9: 30-32) This highlights that for everyone who wishes to become, or to remain, as a Christian and grow in discipleship that the encounter with Jesus is foundational. Our faith is not a "head trip," a fantasy or a self-help guide of collective wisdom. It is about a first hand experience of the person of Jesus Christ, his revelation of the Father and gift of the Holy Spirit. St Paul wrote to the Corinthians: "My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God." (1 Cor 2: 4-5)
No comments:
Post a Comment