A: 4th Sun of Lent (22 Mar 2020) - SPOTLIGHT BEARERS (Jn 9:1–41)

“When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man’s eyes, saying to him, 'Go, wash in the pool of Siloam' (which means Sent). Then he went and washed and came back able to see” (Jn 9:6–7).

If this exact deed were done today, Jesus would definitely be incarcerated and be accused of spreading a virus. Informed by recent medical findings that the novel coronavirus is spread through the sputum of an infected person, we adjudge Jesus’ actions and mandate in the gospel as criminal, not only for being unhygienic but for endangering the life of a vulnerable individual. As a matter of fact, the World Health Organization repeatedly warns the populace against touching one’s face and requests all to sneeze or cough on tissue papers that should immediately be discarded lest a potential virus is spread in the open air.

Nowadays, we are suspicious of everybody, including of one’s self. As the COVID-19 cannot be easily detected, all is a suspected carrier unless proven otherwise. Our social world has suddenly changed because of this pandemic as each is ordered to live a life isolated from the rest, even from one’s own friends, relatives, housemates, and loved ones. This is a sad moment in the history of humanity for even as we defend the sacrosanct maxims of “no man is an island” or “man is a social being,” we are all asked to live otherwise. Terms such as “social distancing,” “self-isolation,” and “community quarantine” have not only become a part of our day-to-day lexicon but have transformed our very disposition. We are all forced to live a solitary life, yet for a good reason, we all know, and that is for each one’s safety and survival.

Indeed, Jesus in our gospel in doing what he did was actually spreading a virus, but this is the virus of care, acceptance, and love. In a Jewish society where touching a sick person or a sinner—as he is viewed by the Jews, cf. vv. 2, 34—is a social taboo especially on a Sabbath (v. 16), Jesus nonetheless trespassed the community mores. Remember that the blind man in the narrative was blind from birth and had never seen any light since (v. 1). But Jesus gave him a permanent lasting light, subsequently, introducing himself as the “light of the world” (v. 5). Jesus turned the spotlight to the blind man as he made him see for the first time (v. 7). He showed compassion to a desperate and desolate person. By his action, he validated that he is indeed the true light, as he gave hope to a poor man’s soul.

The blind man, in turn, did not remain blind in his faith. As he received the spotlight from Jesus, he returned the spotlight back to him. When asked who handed him his sight, he did not hesitate to give incessant credit to Jesus (vv. 11, 15, 17, 25, 27, 30–33, 38). Instead of rejoicing with his family or being scared of the threat of the religious authorities (v. 22), he boldly proclaimed his faith in Jesus. More than the sight he received, we now come to realize that the greatest miracle in the story is his transformed bravery in being a witnessing disciple of Jesus.

In the story, we see that light begets light. Indeed, when one holds the spotlight, the operator is not seen by the viewers. S/he is hidden in the dark, but the light dispelled by this machine radiates a vibrant life, a bright hope, and some sweet cheers not only to the focused object but to all who behold the well-lit stage. In this time of darkness, isolation, and insignificance, we are all asked to be little spotlights, i.e., to remain in our homes, to keep our selves healthy, and to keep the sparkle of hope burning. In doing so, we are giving the spotlight to the future world, when we can be socially active once again and our ways of living will be normalized, but this time with a renewed outlook that every bit of chance to show affection is vital and golden.

Laura Kelly Fanucci leaves us a beautiful poem worth reflecting:

“When this is over

May we never again

Take for granted

A handshake with a stranger

Full shelves at the store

Conversations with neighbors

A crowded theatre

Friday night out

The taste of communion

A routine checkup

The school rush each morning

Coffee with a friend

That stadium roaring

Each deep breath

A boring Tuesday

Life itself.

When this ends,

May we find

That we have become

More like the people

We wanted to be

We were called to be

We hoped to be

And may we stay

That way­—better

For each other

Because of the worst.”

Let then our moment of being hidden in our homes give us a sustained enthusiasm to reflect on our own self and our true mission on earth. May we learn to cherish being in the dark, so we can appreciate better the life of care and love that we fail to shower others. Let the spotlights begin to shine bright!

- Rex Fortes, CM