“Their sturdy backs bent down, by labor and fatigue, their eyes intent upon the earth, sift through stubble discarded by the reapers.”

This Sunday’s gospel, the healing of the man born blind, is one of three gospel readings specifically chosen for use when the Elect are in the final weeks of preparing for their baptism. The story of the man born blind is very effective for the Elect, and very effective for us as well. The Elect are on a journey of conversion, as are we all. Because of their preparation in the catechumenate, the Elect are very aware of their journey of conversion; we may not be so aware of our own journey or our own need for conversion. “I don’t need to convert; I’m already Catholic,” we might say. But the man born blind goes and washes in the pool of Siloam and comes back able to see, but he only sees a little light. In the days that follow, as he is challenged by his parents, neighbors, the authorities, and Jesus himself, he moves from “I do not know who he is” to “he is a prophet” to “if he were not from God” to worshiping Jesus the Christ. Where is each of us on the journey of faith? It can last a lifetime, or it can happen quite quickly if we apply ourselves to it. Who is Jesus? Has he opened your eyes? your mind? your heart?