Sermon on the Sunday of the Blind Man (John 9:1-38), by Father John Behr, from his book The Cross Stands, While the World Turns, pages 85-87. In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, One God. Amen.
Today we heard one of the longest accounts of a healing or miracle in any of the Gospels - an involved story with many different parts and actors. It is initiated by a disciple’s question, “Is this man’s blindness a result of his or his parents’ sin?” To which Christ answers, “Neither. It is rather that the work of God might be made manifest in him.” Sermon on the Sunday of the Blind Man, John 9:1-38 Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, One God. Amen.
They were passing by and saw a blind man. No doubt they had encountered many people wherever they went, but this blind man peaked their interest. Who knows, maybe this question had bothered them before, but they never had enough courage to ask the Teacher. And here they had a perfect opportunity to finally ask. So the disciples ask Him: “Teacher, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” The question is very appropriate. The Jews believed that a righteous man, the one who observed the commandments, was, if not prosperous, then at the very least in good health. Let's take a closer look at the question. |