Dear Parishioners

When I was pastor of St Ignatius I was blessed to know a young woman who was a professional singer as well as a University professor of Romance Languages. Not only did she inspire me with her beautiful voice, she also was my Spanish tutor. She enriched my life in many ways but especially in her ‘teaching’ me about what it means to be a person without physical sight in a “sighted” world. My friend lost her sight when she was three years old. She shared with me over the years the challenges that she faced as well and how difficult it was to hear some of the biblical passages that referred to someone without physical sight as “flawed”. The association of “darkness” with “evil” and “light” with “good” was particularly painful for her. I am indebted to her for sharing her experience and enabling me to recognize my own inability to “see”. 

I’m thinking of her this weekend as we hear the Gospel story of the Man Born Blind. Although we know that the story is not about physical sight but rather “insight” into the identity of Jesus, it is still a challenging one to hear. It’s important to remember that this story comes from John’s Gospel which is written in a time when there is much antagonism between the Jewish community who have recognized Jesus as the Messiah and those who have rejected that claim. It is a brilliant piece of writing as the Man Born Blind not only gains sight but “insight” as he finds his voice and professes his faith in Jesus. At the same time it is troublesome in that it portrays the “Jews” as the enemy who are blind to the divine revelation in Jesus. It is important for us to remember that in this time Christian communities were dealing with questions of their unique identity as was the Jewish community who were coming to an understanding of their own without the Temple in Jerusalem. It’s complicated! And we need to open our eyes and ears to refrain from judgment and stereotyping.

On another note, I recently received a letter from someone who called me to task for being “distracted” when I was giving out communion. They said that it had happened twice and would not come to a Mass I was celebrating again. Of course, I felt terrible to read this and needed to examine my own actions. It’s true that sometimes I have so much on my mind as I’m trying to “take everything in” that I am easily distracted. Although the person who wrote me did not identify themselves, I’m hoping if they read this, they will accept my apologies. It is never easy to receive criticism but it’s helpful to be reminded that we are all human and we can always improve. Another “teachable” moment!

As we continue to journey together this Lent, I hope that our eyes will be opened so that we can see Jesus who reveals the light as well as the darkness as God’s creation.

In Christ,

Fr. Bob