So a second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, “Give God the praise! We know that this man is a sinner.” He replied, “If he is a sinner, I do not know. One thing I do know is that I was blind and now I see.” John 9:24-25
This is simply my favorite Bible passage. I wrote last year about the passage’s power and how it was a revelatory, life-changing passage for me to read. This Lent as I return to it, I realize that the passage and the story of the blind man who encountered our Lord isn’t just a story about a singular seminal event in the history of a man’s life, but it should be read as a daily reflection for us, a daily challenge.
Last week I spoke about how Lent is a journey toward the cross, whatever that cross may be for any one of us. We must face that burden that is holding us back, less this season’s struggle be for naught. Lent is a journey that has many hardships if we are taking the season seriously, the pang of physical hunger, the annoyance of giving up a beloved pleasantry like coffee or sweets or the sting of regret in self-realization. Yes, Lent is a time to face our spiritual hurdles but it serves us well that in this fourth week we should be looking beyond the cross for encouragement. Unlike our spiritual forefathers (and mothers) we know the challenge of the cross is also a victory and what waits for us beyond the toil is its sweet reward of resurrection and renewal. If only we can just get there. Back to our blind man.
In the story, the unnamed blind man and his family are questioned again and again on the miracle of his sight from blindness and in his slightly exasperated tone he says to the Pharisees, “If he is a sinner, I do not know. One thing I do know is that I was blind and now I see.” In the drudge of Lenten renewal we do well to remember that at the very least, though we have broken our fasts or forgotten our commitments, we know at least this: We are not the person we once were. We are not blind. Now, Lord, help us use this new vision to lead us to the empty tomb. Happy Lenting. We’re almost there.
I’ll be seeing you,
Elliot