St. Joseph of the Lakes

“Father of mercy, you led the man born blind to the kingdom of light through the gift of faith in your Son, free these elect from the false values that surround and blind them. Set them firmly in your truth, children of the light forever.” (From the introduction of the second scrutiny)

Today’s Gospel story of the man born blind has a very tragic beginning. As Jesus and his disciples walk by the man who was blind from birth; they ask Jesus: “who sinned; this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”  Before this man has had a chance to meet them, those passing by him are asking the very damning question of who sinned to cause this deformity?  How sad, and yet how normal! Although we might not immediately be lead to a moral thought concerning someone who is not “normal”  (did he sin or not) often we will feel sorry for the person or wish that somehow they might not have to live in their deformity.  I have had conversations with people who think it would be a favor to abort a Down Syndrome or a physically deformed infant rather than allow them to come to birth. These conversations are echoes of the disciple’s question to Jesus. 

I love Jesus’ answer to his followers:  "Neither he nor his parents sinned; it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him.”  This is where I find my answer to those who would think abortion is a better alternative to letting a child come into life. Yes, there are all sorts of opportunities that God gives us in our brothers and sisters to see His works might be made visible. 

Today as we celebrate the second scrutiny, we celebrate the works of God that are made evident in the journey of our elect as they prepare for their baptism at the Easter Vigil. He has been touched by several who have introduced him to Jesus and he has been growing in his realization that it is Jesus himself who has been leading him to the Church. Let us continue to pray for him and for the candidates who are preparing for full sacramental communion with the Church in the very near future.