Some while ago I commented on the healing of the ten lepers reported in Luke 17. My argument was that, while only one returned to thank Jesus, all were healed -- which emphasizes the unconditional nature of Jesus' healing ministry, and underscores our complete dependence on grace. For that observation I received a scolding from at least one clergy member in our diocese. His point was that a specific belief must come before healing, else where is the reward for faith?
Today's Gospel was from John 9 and told of the healing of the man blind from birth. It is a lengthy passage and makes for a very dramatic reading, typical of the Gospel of John. Jesus spread a paste of mud made from his saliva on the eyes of the blind beggar, told him to go wash it off, and when he did the man could see. Of course, the Pharisees were already out to trap Jesus, so they tried to trip the former beggar up in his story of what happened. Finally the healed man cried out in exasperation, "I have told you already, and you would not listen. I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see."
Perhaps the man would have been just as happy never to see the Pharisees or Jesus again and just enjoy his new-found eyesight, but Jesus made a point of finding him. "Do you believe in the Son of Man?," Jesus asked him. He replied, "who is he, sir? Tell me, so that I may believe." Only then does Jesus deliver the zinger. "You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he." Though completely unprepared for this revelation, the man was ready to respond in faith. "Lord, I believe." And, the Gospel tells us, he worshiped Jesus.
Here was a man "born entirely in sin" according to the Pharisees, who did not know who Jesus was, yet received his sight through a chance encounter with the Lord. Even after being healed he did not seek out Jesus. It was Jesus who looked for him and told him who He was. Clearly it was not faith that brought the man to Jesus, nor was it faith that gave him his sight.
But it was through healing that the man was able to accept the astounding message that Jesus brought him. Because he was healed, the man was able to believe. How many of us first came to church or heard the good news from a friend and were unable to fully believe, but found in that personal encounter the love that healed a wound or provided strength? And through that healing and increase in strength were able to grow in faith? I am sure that I am not the only one.
The disciples asked Jesus, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" For Jesus, the question was not relevant. Thank God that even in our sinfulness the Lord will heal us. He does not even ask for faith, but knows that faith will grow through grace as we become aware of Him who heals us.
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