Gospel Notes – Jesus and the Man Born Blind

When Jesus and the disciples encounter a man who was born blind, they ask Jesus who sinned, this man or his parents. Jesus’ reply is counter-cultural for first century Palestine … and perhaps for me and you.

Whenever something goes wrong, my first instinct is to ask who messed up. When I encounter a problem, an illness, a “wrong,” something out of place, etc., I want to know who is to blame.

I am aware that to some degree this is a projection of my inner speak, my tendency to blame myself. Unless I address it quickly, this self blame gains momentum into an abyss of guilt, shame, blame, “I’m a bad person,” etc. Quickly, I am wrapped around my own axle.

Jesus’ response moves the entire situation to a different arena. He moves the conversation from blame to purpose (remember his teaching, “Judge not.”). In effect, everything that is and everything that happens invites one question, “How do we/I work the works of God in this moment?”

I don’t know about you, but my response is something along the lines of, “What a relief!”

You remain in my prayers,

Jim