It is obvious that the protagonist of the Gospel according to John is Jesus himself. However, among the four Gospels, it is St. John who presents us in greater detail some interesting individuals who serve as co-actors in various moments of the Gospel story so that the message of Christ has greater impact and effect. Among them, you will find Nicodemus, the Samaritan woman at the well, which we heard last Sunday, and today, the man born blind.
 
Moreover, the pages of the four Gospels are full of accounts of people being cured and healed of various sicknesses and conditions and whose lives are transformed thanks to the compassion of the Lord Jesus.
 
However, fewer in number are those who follow and carry out what Jesus asks of them, fewer are those who thank the Compassionate Healer and much less are those who, as a result of being cured, commit themselves to following the Lord.
 
In today’s reading from chapter 9 of the Gospel according to John, we get to know an individual who responds to Jesus in a distinct manner: the man born blind. His story is one of faith and perseverance. In his experience of being cured and the events that follow, the man has more than just a role in the episode; he gives us a true example of faith and discipleship that are fruit of his own will and desire.
 
After being cured, the man who had been born blind listened to Jesus and complied with all the Lord asked of him. That man did not abandon Jesus much less betray him like others who were cured by the Great Healer of bodies and souls. He recognized that Jesus not only cured him of his blindness, but also transformed his life.  As a result, the man returned to Jesus, believed in him and became his disciple.
 
The story demonstrates to us the power and importance of the will of a person when she or he is inspired and impelled by faith, when the will of a person is both strong and humble. In the midst of being abandoned by his parents and harassed by the Pharisees, the man who had been born blind had another perspective: his own dignity and the compassion of Jesus, the Healer. These two forces convinced him that there was more, that there was a Savior to seek, believe and follow.
 
More than just being cured, this man shows clearly the power that exists in us to do great and timeless deeds when we not only recognize the power of Christ, but respond willingly and positively to his mercy.  
 
Jesus Christ has the power and desire to cure, heal and transform lives, but does not do so by imposition or force. Rather, he awaits the person’s response. The Lord looks for faith in the person so that the cure will be complete and profound; so that the cure gives glory to God.
 
The invitation Christ makes to us and all people is completely open and he awaits a similar response. He longs for hearts that are grateful and minds that are open to his way of love.  We can appreciate clearly in the man who was born blind and was cured that gratitude is greater than self-interest, and a will committed to what is right and just is stronger than fear.