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"One thing I do know: that though I was blind, now I see." -John 9:25

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This passage is really important to understand how we consider people with big physical disabilities. In the past, people's opinion was that these people were guilty and that they deserve their illness.

Jesus said that he came among the humans to help people to solve their big problems and judge people. So that they believe and are able to live a life full of happiness. People think they are healthy because they are without sins.

The focus is on believing in the Lord. If you follow the faith in God you can face every problem. A man without faith is like a leaf that the wind blows. It can go everywhere especially where there aren't love and happiness. In other words: in a situation where God is not present. 

Another interpretation could be that every human is born blind and only when he starts to follow the Lord, and through sacraments, he starts to see the light given by the faith and love in God. The Lord gift us every kind of present. We have to keep the focus on growing love inside us and spread the word of God worldwide in order to get our life to the fullest possible. 

The key word here is FAITH. Believe in love, happiness, positive mindset. It give us the opportunity to become the expression of God in the world. Amen

Reflection on  John 9:24-41 by Ivan

(Listen to podcast  here )

Timere | Afraid | EN | ID | ES

"His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders, who already had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue." – John 9:22 (NIV)

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A man was born blind. One day he met Jesus and Jesus cured him. He no longer had to sit and beg for people's mercy as usual for years. A brighter future awaited him, something he could not even imagine before.

But the Pharisees ignored his story of how Jesus healed him. It was impossible in their minds to cure a blind man especially when he was born with it. Moreover, they hated Jesus, and wanted to set him up, blame him for healing someone on the Sabbath. They did not believe the man, so they brought his parents to make sure of the case. Instead of confirming their son's story, they chose to act ignorant about it. Like it was nothing special that did not even bother them.

Dear brothers and sisters, through Jesus' life on this earth, beside hatred from the spiritual leaders and others who did not know him, he was also facing betrayals, denials, unsteadiness and doubts from his very close people. It is said, "It does not matter when other people hurt us, but when someone close does, it cuts deeply." When Jesus healed the person, he also created a connection with him (John 9:35-39). The man acknowledged Jesus wholeheartedly, but his parents were different.

For Jesus, consistency is very important. He asked Peter, "Do you love me?" three times after his resurrection (John 21:15-17). He wants Christians to love him privately and publicly. Speaking of consistency, I may understand it from a humble example of the way my father loves my mother. He loves her when they are alone as well as in front of so many people. Apart from the kids, her needs come first (although Mom always puts Dad's first). They are famous in my little home town in Ambon - Indonesia. An old couple who likes to walk around the town using one umbrella, smiling and busy talking to each other. He frequently praises her in front of us, their children, and in public with a grateful face and enthusiasm of how this beautiful lady has been his lovely companion through ups and downs. Clear. Bold. Without any confusion or shyness let alone fear of people's thoughts.

The man's parents understood that Jesus was disliked by the Jewish leaders. The miracle He did to their son was impossible to be done by humans, unless the Messiah did it. Here is a type of humans who are afraid of men more than God. To be specific, they had fear of being excluded from the religious community (be put out of the synagogue), if they acknowledged Jesus' power and thus confirmed his status as the Messiah (v.22).  These parents said, "Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself." They did not even praise God, and show gratitude towards Jesus for such an amazing gift - the gift of sight which they might long for ages.

What would Jesus think about the act of the once-blind man's parents? How about us? Are we afraid to show our identity as Christians? Have we talked often about Jesus' work in our lives with people around us? Does the world know that we love Him? Let's be consistent in private and in public to glorify our One and Only Savior, Jesus Christ, boldly, courageously and sincerely. Amen.

Reflection on John 9:18-23 by Desire Litaay

(Listen to podcast here)

Miserere | Mercy

When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" – Mk. 10:47 (NRSV)

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Dear friends in Christ Jesus, in this passage we come across Jesus healing the blind Bartimaeus. The blind man came to know that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by and started shouting in a loud voice asking Jesus to show mercy on him. This makes it clear for us that the blind man had already heard a lot about Jesus and he was confident that Jesus could heal him. Towards the end of the passage Jesus tells the blind man, "Go; your faith has made you well." It was the strong faith of this blind man which cured him of his blindness.

Two things which inspired me the most from this passage is that his perseverance in calling out to Jesus for mercy, even when others rebuked him. He never bothered what others would think and he just kept on shouting, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" In our lives too, when we are in need of God's mercy let us never give up, but rather go on pleading with him until he grants our needs. 'Hope does not disappoint' (Romans 5:5). 

The second thing that inspired me the most, is once the blind man regained his sight he followed Jesus on the way. It is not that we receive God's mercy and just keep quiet, but in return God wants us to respond to him. God wants us to be instruments in his hands helping people to glorify God. 

We receive mercy from God and we also need to show mercy towards all. Let us glorify God through our works of mercy.

Reflection on Mark 10:46-52 by Fr. George Joseph SVD

(Listen to the Podcast here)

Caecus quidam (Lk. 18:35)

 

How often do we behave like a blind person? We pretend not to see because we do not want to react. We fear to tell the truth. We escape from responsibility. We are like Pontius Pilate who had the power to save the truth but he didn’t do that. For that reason, all of us need a Doctor who will cure us.

The most important is to realize that we need a doctor because we are also sick and blind. We don’t see our own mistakes and often close our eyes not to take any action. It happens everywhere: at home, in the community, in the working place, and even in the Church. Secondly, we need to call a Doctor who is Jesus Christ, our Saviour, and Redeemer. We need to pray and ask as the blind person in the gospel: “JESUS, HAVE PITY ON ME!”

In addition, we cannot be ashamed or afraid of other people who disturb us calling Jesus. For sure,  the divine Doctor, Jesus Christ, wants to heal us. But we need to wait for him patiently. He will call us and we are to come closer to him. He can help us through the holy sacraments.

Thirdly, we have to know exactly what your problem and disease is. If we pray from the deep of our heart, we will receive the grace of God. However, if we still doubt, we need to strengthen our faith and trust. Jesus Christ is able to act instantly. But he is waiting for the proper attitude of our soul. It means when we are humble and patient, but also brave and ready for his coming to your inner home.

Let us praise the Lord who is our heavenly Healer and Master. Let us open our hearts for his healing power. Let us love and trust him with our whole heart, and mind, and strength. Amen.

By Fr. Jozef Trzebuniak, SVD.