Open Our Eyes
John 9:1-41
“‘As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.’ 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.”(John 9:5-7, NRSV)
Although light is often associated with the season of Epiphany, we used Marty Haugen’s Unfailing Light as our liturgy during the year and a half I spent in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. While the season of Lent is a time to look within ourselves, light can be shined on us as we open our own eyes to seeing ourselves in a new light — trusting in Jesus, the light of the world, just as the young man who had his vision restored by Jesus trusted him.
While people questioned what sins this young man or his parents committed to cause his blindness, Jesus says to believe in him and our eyes too will be opened. We might not get the spit and mud treatment, yet following and believing Jesus can open our eyes to possibilities when we look deep within ourselves. Opening our eyes can lead to healing, repentance, and reconciliation. As we musicians, dancers, actors, visual artists, and liturgists continue our journey through Lent, let us follow and believe in Jesus so that we too may open our eyes to what God is showing us.
Prayer
Most Holy and Loving God, thank you for the light of the world and the restoration of vision. Help us to look deep within our own souls to the things to which we are blind and ways we miss the mark as we continue repenting of our sins. Extend to us your extravagant grace, helping us to open our eyes to how we can be all that you call us to be. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Rev. Andrew Davis, Community United Methodist Church