Blind spots

  “There are none so blind as those who will not see!”  Nowhere is this indictment more evident than in this weekend’s Gospel story about Jesus, the blind man, and some Pharisees.  We might imagine how impressed we might be if we saw someone cured on the spot of lifelong blindness.  It’s almost irritating that the Pharisees are not moved by this impressive miracle of Jesus.  What does it take to convince them that Jesus had divine approval?  On the other hand, what does it take to impress any of us?                  The rule is that we normally see what we want to see.  “Reality” is basically what we choose to perceive.  This means that, like the Pharisees, we have a talent for creating blind spots for ourselves.  Blind spots prevent us from seeing the truth and affect the way we ascertain the “facts.”  A mother, for example, rebukes her daughter, “Didn’t I tell you to be in by midnight?”  The daughter responds with utter conviction, “You never told me that!”  Blind spots about ourselves can be serious impediments to our growth and happiness; they can also keep us mired in problems and unnecessary pain.  A frustrated wife urges her alcoholic husband, “Honey, you need help,” but he firmly insists, “Don’t worry, I have it under control.”                  The Gospel is more than a reproach to Pharisees; it is an encouragement for us to be aware of our own blind spots. We must all strive to see more clearly.  With a positive attitude in mind we can be more open to what we do not at first see or comprehend, rather than jealously defending our own little corner.  The Gospel is a dynamic message leading us always towards the light of truth, which is our risen Lord.  Getting there through the thickets of our prejudices, assumptions and misunderstandings is always a very humbling and certainly a very seasonal Lenten experience. Think about it!!