First Reading — 2 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a
Second Reading — Ephesians 5:8-14
Gospel — John 9:1-41
Today's gospel passage calls to mind the line in the hymn "Amazing Grace" which says "I once … was blind, but now I see." We understand the healing of blindness from birth in the context of Lent: the preparation of catechumens for baptism. They understand themselves as having been born spiritually blind in a pagan culture. Now they are ready to receive spiritual sight in the light of Christ. Some scholars believe that St. Paul is quoting a very early baptismal hymn with the words, "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light."
The Easter Vigil, during which the catechumens are baptized, begins with the blessing and lighting of the Paschal Candle, which is then carried in procession to a place near the altar, during which the deacon chants three times, "Christ, our light," and the people respond, "Thanks be to God." The candle — which is lit at Masses throughout Eastertide and at baptisms and funerals — represents Christ risen, the light of the world.
After the healing, and the man's controversy with the Pharisees, Jesus reveals himself to the healed man as the messianic Son of Man, and the man believes in him. St Paul draws out the implication for all who have been baptized. We must all "live as children of light" and always avoid the "works of darkness.
While Samuel's anointing of David to be King of Israel does not seem to be directly related to the spiritual enlightenment and baptism of the catechumens, there are a couple of points. One is that our merely human sight and estimation don't necessarily correspond to how God sees and evaluates things. We need to see things in the light God gives us. Also, when Samuel anointed Davis, the Holy Spirit came upon him to enable him to fulfill the office of king. At baptism, we are anointed as a symbol of the Holy Spirit coming upon us to enable us to live the life to which we are called as children of light.
Tanglewood — 2026/08/01-02
1 day ago
