We See - Am I able to see really the realities arround Me?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season : Lenten Season :  Fourth Week :  Sunday*

*Gospel :  John 9:1-41*

*First Reading : 1 Samuel 16:1-13*

*Responsorial Psalm : 23:1-6*

*Second Reading Eph 5:8-14*

*We See - Am I able to see really the realities arround Me?*

*1) The Meaning of “Sight”*

In this context, “seeing” means understanding God’s truth.

*Spiritual sight includes*: Recognizing God’s action, Being open to truth, Admitting one’s limitations, Being willing to learn. 

*Spiritual blindness means*: Pride in one’s knowledge, Refusing evidence, Rejecting truth because it threatens one’s authority, Thinking “I already know everything.”

The Pharisees were experts in the Law, so they believed they had perfect spiritual insight. Their claim “we see” means: “We already understand God. We do not need correction.” That self-confidence closed their hearts.

*2) Why Jesus Says Their Sin Remains*

Jesus says: If you were blind → meaning if you admitted you didn’t know, you could receive light.

But you say “we see” → you claim complete understanding.

Therefore: Their problem is not ignorance but pride.

The blind man was open and humble. The Pharisees were certain and closed.

*3) The Deep Spiritual Principle*

This passage teaches a paradox found throughout the Bible: Those who know they are blind can receive sight. Those who claim perfect sight become blind.

Humility opens the door to truth. Pride closes it.

*4) Application to Our Life*

*A) Intellectual Pride* : Sometimes people say: “I already know the truth.” “I don’t need to learn anything.” That attitude can block deeper understanding.

*B) Religious Pride* : A person may: Know scripture, Follow rituals, Have authority, Yet still miss the spirit of God’s message. The Pharisees had religion but lacked openness.

*C) The Importance of Humility* : The blind man simply said: “One thing I know: I was blind, now I see.” (John 9:25) He did not claim great knowledge. He just accepted truth. Real spiritual growth begins when we say: “Maybe I don’t see everything clearly.” “Teach me.”

*5) “We See” vs. Hidden Blindness*

*A) Blindness to the Suffering Around Us* : Often we live among people who carry silent pain.

We may fail to see: a neighbor struggling with loneliness, someone silently carrying sickness, a person experiencing failure or defeat, We see their face every day, yet we may not notice their inner struggle.

Do I take time to notice when someone around me is hurting? Or do I pass by without concern?

*B) Blindness to Opportunities to Help* : Sometimes the blindness is very simple.

For example: Seeing an obstacle on the road, Seeing something that may cause another person to fall

Two responses are possible: Ignore it and walk away, Remove it so that others may walk safely

Do I only look at things, or do I respond with responsibility? Seeing should lead to action, not indifference.

*C) Blindness Within the Family* : In many homes there is another kind of blindness.

We may not truly see: the constant work of a mother, the quiet sacrifices made by women in the household, 

Cooking, cleaning, caring, organizing—these often go unnoticed.

Do I recognize and appreciate the hidden labor that sustains the family? Sometimes love becomes invisible because we take it for granted.

*D) Blindness of Children Toward Parents’ Struggles* : Children and young people sometimes demand things without seeing the reality behind them.

For example: demanding mobile phones, asking for vehicles, expecting comforts, 

But they may not see: the financial pressure, the hard work, the sacrifices parents make

Do I appreciate the struggle behind what I receive? Gratitude opens our eyes.

*6) Moving from Blindness to True Sight*

The message of this passage is not condemnation but invitation.

Real sight grows when we learn to see: the pain of others, the needs around us, the sacrifices within our families, the struggles hidden behind people’s smiles, the opportunities to serve

Seeing with the eyes is easy. Seeing with the heart is the real challenge.

Am I able to see God in others, in the needy, and in every Situation

How is my Sight? how is my Inner Sight or insight? 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*