Readings

The 1st reading shows us that God’s ways are different from human ways. He chooses a king for his people. His choice is the least expected and the youngest. David is chosen and anointed king. In the 2nd reading, St. Paul reminds us that amidst the many dark and despicable human conduct, we are children of the light and are called to bear fruits of goodness, justice and truth. In the Gospel, a man born blind encounters Jesus and begins to see, first with his eyes and then with the eyes of faith.

Reflection

A technique in painting used by many great painters is called chiaroscuro. It is a combination of two words which can be translated as clear-obscure or light and dark technique. The surrounding areas of the canvass would be darkened while the focal point of the painting would be immersed in bright light. Within us, too, are shades of light and darkness, of sight and blindness.

The man born blind who Jesus encountered progresses from darkness to light while the Pharisees, who thought they were already enlightened, regresses deeper into darkness. The blind man comes to a gradual knowledge of Jesus, from being a healer, to a prophet, a man from God, and, finally, the Son of Man. Meanwhile, the Pharisees begin with acknowledging the miracle, become upset because it was done on a Sabbath, cast doubt upon it and end up threatening and maltreating the blind man.

We are in darkness when we don’t recognize our insecurities and selfishness that leads us to treat others badly. We are in darkness when we refuse to recognize our addictions, hang-ups and greed. We are in darkness when we fail to see the sufferings of others.

Light shines in us whenever we see not only with our eyes but with the heart of faith. Light shines in us if we have a vision of our unlimited possibilities or make commitments with courage to do the work of Jesus.

Response

If Jesus said, “I am the light of the world,” let us also say, “While I am in the world, I will not be overpowered by darkness. I may not be the brightest, but I will be more chiaro than oscuro, light more than darkness.