Tag: disciple

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ATC 12 Prostration on Good Friday

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Pope Benedict XVI said, “I shall never forget lying on the ground at the time of my own priestly and episcopal ordination… The fact that the praying Church was calling upon all the saints, that the prayer of the Church really was enveloping and embracing me, was a wonderful consolation.”

He is RISEN! Alleluia! Thank you for joining me for All Things Catholic on this Wednesday within the Octave of Easter. I’m your host, Deacon Rudy Villarreal, and together we are going to explore what it means to be Catholic. Someone asked a question about something they saw on Good Friday that I did not address. They were watching their parish’s Good Friday service and they noticed something. At the start of the service, the priest and the deacon prostrated themselves before the altar. What’s that all about?

I’m so glad you asked! If you have a question you’d like me to address, please use the comment form on the website, or send me an email to rudy@deaconrudysnotes.org.

Ok, so why do bishops, priests and deacons prostrate themselves on Good Friday? Well, to answer that question we need to go back to ordination, although this is also true in the consecration of men and women as monks/brothers or nuns/sisters.

Various church documents describe prostration as the ultimate act of humility. Indeed, Scripture describes lying prostrate before the Lord as a position of deep, intense, emotional prayer. Moses lay prostrate before God for 40 days and nights (Deuteronomy 9:18-20, 25-27). Jesus lay prostrate in Gethsemane when he prayed that the cup might pass him (Matthew 26:39).

In a similar way, that time before ordination or consecration is a time of intense, humble prayer. When we lay down, we die to ourselves so that we may rise a new. After ordination or consecration, about the only time most of us will see prostration is at the beginning of the Good Friday service. Although just so you know, if a priest or deacon are unable to safely prostrate themselves, they are permitted to kneel, but prostration is preferred.

At Good Friday, the act of prostration is first and foremost an act of humility. Not unlike who David who lay prostrate before the Angel of the Lord for his sin (1 Chronicles 21:16-17), when the bishop, priest and deacon lay prostrate on Good Friday, it is an expression of the profound grief and sorrow of the Church (that means on all of our behalf) for the crucifixion of Jesus.

Now we’ve already said a couple of times that lying prostrate is an act of humility. What does that mean exactly? Well, the Church teaches that humility is a virtue that enables us to see ourselves as we truly are and to be in touch with this reality as we contribute to what God is doing in the world. Does that mean that bishops, priests and deacons have it more together than everyone else?

No, I don’t think so except maybe in this one way. When we clergy as disciples lay prostrate, we acknowledge that we have given our lives to Jesus Christ. Our act is symbolic of us laying everything down for the Kingdom – and I mean everything. We remind ourselves that everything we are and everything we have is a blessing meant to serve Jesus Christ, His Church, and the people of God – including our very lives. Our story as a people of faith is filled with the stories of martyrs, some clergy and some lay, who freely surrendered everything for the sake of discipleship. That was true then, and it is true now.

Ok, now that we’ve discussed what prostration is from its biblical roots to Church teaching and to the effect it has on the clergy, I’d like to briefly explore what this means in our (all of our) everyday lives. To do that, I’d like to share one of the many COVID-19 stories being shared out there.

It’s about Fr. Jorge Ortiz-Garay of St. Brigid’s in Brooklyn. He was a charismatic and pastoral priest. He served a predominately blue-collar neighborhood. It was not uncommon to see him out on Ash Wednesday walking the streets bringing ashes to the mechanics and other workers who couldn’t get off work to come to mass. I know that some people frown at the idea of drive-thru ashes, but Fr. Jorge wanted everyone to feel connected to the community. He also wanted to send every hardworking person a clear message that Holy Mother Church did not forget them.

Father suffered from bronchitis, so he was not concerned when started feeling a little sick. But he kept on working. In his virtual mass on March 19th, he looked into the camera and said, “There’s no better time than this time of trials, this time of challenges, to fulfill our call to holiness. At these moments of trial and crisis, at these times when maybe we are asking what will happen to us, trust in the Father.”

Not long after, he asked Fr. Joseph Dutan, the junior priest in the rectory, to drive him to Wyckoff Hospital. Fr. Joseph urged Fr. Jorge to fight. He said, “Don’t worry, I am happy. I am not scared because I know the Lord is with me.” Fr. Jorge died on March 27 at the age of 49. He was the first priest in the United States to die of COVID-19.

Fr. Jorge was at higher risk because as a priest he was in a people-facing job and because of his history of bronchitis, but that didn’t scare him. Don’t get me wrong – he clearly took some reasonable precautions like implementing virtual masses, but unlike some people I’ve visited with who are afraid, he didn’t allow the virus to scare him. There’s a lesson there for all of us.

When the clergy prostrate themselves, it’s not just for their own sake. Each and every one of us is drawn into that act of humility. We are all reminded that, like Fr. Jorge, we have nothing to fear because as disciples, the Lord walks with us. If we believe – I mean if we really believe that we have been saved and renewed by the blood and water that flowed from Jesus’ side, then how can we be afraid to die? Maybe it’s not death that scares some, but all the unfinished business before us.

This pandemic should give all of us pause. Not only should it encourage us to rethink our priorities, but it should also remind us that there is no better time than the present to set our life in order. Think of all the people around the world who have had to die alone. Now is the time to reach out and say, “I’m sorry,” or “I forgive you,” and “I love you.” While I don’t normally assign homework on Wednesdays, if there is some unfinished business, then I encourage you to get to it. Don’t wait until next Good Friday when you see the priest and deacon prostrate themselves to say to yourself, “Oops! I forgot something!”

Do you got it? Do you get it? Good! Now go make disciples! May Almighty God bless you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit! +Amen!

You’re listening to All Things Catholic. I hope you enjoyed today’s show where we discussed prostration from its biblical roots to Church teaching to the effect it has on the clergy and what it means to all of us in the pews. If you have a question you’d like me to discuss, please use the comment form on the website, or send me an email to rudy@deaconrudysnotes.org.

This episode was produced by deacon rudy’s notes. Our theme music was composed by Silent Partner. You can find all sorts of helpful information on the website at www.deaconrudysnotes.org. I’m your host, Deacon Rudy Villarreal. Join us again next time and don’t forget to check out the weekend edition where we break open the Word. He is RISEN! Alleluia!

Notes:
<1> Congregation for Divine Worship. Letter Concerning the Preparation and Celebration of the Easter Feasts. Vatican.va. 1988.
<2> Roman Missal, Study Edition. “Holy Week.” Collegeville, Minnesota: Liturgical Press, 2011.
<3> The Bible: A Study Bible freshly translated by Nicholas King. Buxhall, Suffolk UK: Kevin Mayhew, 2013.

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He is Risen!

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Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord Mass Readings
First Reading: Acts 10:34A, 37-43
Responsorial: Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23
Second Reading: Colossians 3:1-4 or 1 Corinthians 5:6B-8
Gospel: John 20:1-9

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/041220.cfm
https://www.deaconrudysnotes.org/

Happy Easter! Isn’t today’s Gospel account from John interesting? Mary Magdala went to the tomb. Why? If she believed that Jesus would rise from the dead, why would she visit the tomb to anoint his dead body? When she finds the tomb empty, she runs to tell Peter and some of the disciples. They run to the tomb. Why are they running?

Wait, wait! Why did she have to go find Peter and the disciples? If they were waiting for his return, why weren’t they camped out in front of the tomb entrance? Did they not believe that Jesus was going to rise on the third day?

Whatever the case, once they arrived at the tomb, their lives were transformed! We see in the first reading from Acts that Peter was out preaching and testifying about Jesus Christ. The resurrection of Jesus and his encounters with the risen Jesus forever changed.

This year, these readings hit me in a profound way. We’ve all been affected by COVID-19, and so many of us have experienced this profound isolation. I’ve been so moved by the prayer chains and incredible videos of choirs performing from their homes, inspiring acts selflessness and service. Is this faith rediscovered or is this just a fad?

Despite the virus, so many of us continue to work from home and in some small way, life seems relatively normal. But in other ways life is a different now – maybe a little slower – I don’t know, but things have changed. This is truly the strangest Easter most of us have ever experienced. Yes, there have been some challenges for a lot of us too. But how many of us have thought about how many things distract us from getting anything done – all the B.S. in the pre-COVID-19 world that we did but that had no value or meaning. For example, I’ve been floored by people’s stories of loved ones who have had to pass away alone during this time and by small numbers allowed to attend funerals.

I wonder, is this experience of self-isolation or quarantine or whatever we’re calling it, has this been our empty tomb moment? Many of us were believers before, but maybe this experience of isolation is like us running to the tomb to find that yes indeed, He is risen! Praise God! Alleluia!

So, as governments begin to consider relaxing restrictions, are we beginning to re-evaluate our priorities? Will we allow ourselves to get caught up again by all the pointless busyness of this world, or will we try to maintain a better a balance with Jesus Christ at the center?

Look, the question for each one of is, do you believe? Do you believe that Jesus was really born, suffered and died and rose from the dead for our salvation? Do you believe that Jesus left us this incredible church which is the fullness of the life Christ wanted for us? Do you believe, I mean do you really believe that we can encounter the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus in the Eucharist?

If the answer is yes, then this is a good time to think about how we will live our lives after COVID-19. Let this Easter be the moment when we recommit ourselves to our baptismal promises and put Jesus in the center of our lives. And may we have the renewed sense of courage to share our faith with those we encounter.

Homework! Nourished by the Word of God and by Spiritual Communion, I ask you to reflect on the following two questions during this first week of Easter.

  1. Recall from Gospel that Jesus was not in the tomb. How confident am I in my faith? What encourages me in times of doubt?
  2. In the Gospel, they went away from the tomb, fearful and overjoyed. What fears and concerns keep me from sharing my faith? When have I found great joy in sharing my faith?

I think that doing our homework will help us recommit our discipleship in service to Jesus and the people of God. Do you got it? Do you get it? Good! Now go make disciples! May Almighty God bless you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit! +Amen!

References:
1. Hamm, Dennis. Philippians, Colossians, Philemon. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2013.
2. Kurz, William S. Acts of the Apostles. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2013.
3. Lectio Divina Of The Gospels. Washington, D.C.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2019.
4. Martin, Francis and William M. Wright. The Gospel of John. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2015.
5. Montague, George T. First Corinthians. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2011.
6. The Bible: A Study Bible freshly translated by Nicholas King. Buxhall, Suffolk UK: Kevin Mayhew, 2013.

Catechism References: Easily search the Catechism at http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm
1. Salvation outside the Church, 776, 846-48
2. Jesus anointed by the Spirit, 438, 486
3. Paschal mystery, 571-72
4. Jesus and Pharisees, 575
5. Jesus as paschal lamb, 608
6. The Resurrection of Christ and our resurrection, 638-55, 989, 1001-02,
7. The empty tomb, 640
8. Jesus’ resurrection as a transcendent event, 647
9. Easter, the Lord’s Day, 647, 1167-70, 1243, 1287
10. Judge of the living and dead, 678-79
11. Feast of Passover, 1164
12. The Sacraments of Initiation, 1212
13. Baptism, 1214-22, 1226-28, 1234-45, 1254
14. Confirmation, 1286-89
15. Eucharist, 1322-23

Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord
Mass Readings http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/041220.cfm
Lectionary: 42

First Reading
Acts 10:34A, 37-43
Peter proceeded to speak and said:
“You know what has happened all over Judea,
beginning in Galilee after the baptism
that John preached,
how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth
with the Holy Spirit and power.
He went about doing good
and healing all those oppressed by the devil,
for God was with him.
We are witnesses of all that he did
both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem.
They put him to death by hanging him on a tree.
This man God raised on the third day and granted that he be visible,
not to all the people, but to us,
the witnesses chosen by God in advance,
who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.
He commissioned us to preach to the people
and testify that he is the one appointed by God
as judge of the living and the dead.
To him all the prophets bear witness,
that everyone who believes in him
will receive forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Responsorial
Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23.
R. (24) This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his mercy endures forever.
Let the house of Israel say,
“His mercy endures forever.”
R. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.
or:
R. Alleluia.
“The right hand of the LORD has struck with power;
the right hand of the LORD is exalted.
I shall not die, but live,
and declare the works of the LORD.”
R. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The stone which the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone.
By the LORD has this been done;
it is wonderful in our eyes.
R. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Second Reading
Colossians 3:1-4
Brothers and sisters:
If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above,
where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.
For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ your life appears,
then you too will appear with him in glory.

Or 1 Corinthians 5:6B-8
Brothers and sisters:
Do you not know that a little yeast leavens all the dough?
Clear out the old yeast,
so that you may become a fresh batch of dough,
inasmuch as you are unleavened.
For our paschal lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed.
Therefore, let us celebrate the feast,
not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness,
but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

Sequence Victimae Paschali Laudes
Christians, to the Paschal Victim
Offer your thankful praises!
A Lamb the sheep redeems;
Christ, who only is sinless,
Reconciles sinners to the Father.
Death and life have contended in that combat stupendous:
The Prince of life, who died, reigns immortal.
Speak, Mary, declaring
What you saw, wayfaring.
“The tomb of Christ, who is living,
The glory of Jesus’ resurrection;
bright angels attesting,
The shroud and napkin resting.
Yes, Christ my hope is arisen;
to Galilee he goes before you.”
Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining.
Have mercy, victor King, ever reigning!
Amen. Alleluia.

Alleluia CF. 1 Corinthians 5:7B-8A
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Christ, our paschal lamb, has been sacrificed;
let us then feast with joy in the Lord.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel
John 20:1-9
On the first day of the week,
Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning,
while it was still dark,
and saw the stone removed from the tomb.
So she ran and went to Simon Peter
and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them,
“They have taken the Lord from the tomb,
and we don’t know where they put him.”
So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb.
They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter
and arrived at the tomb first;
he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in.
When Simon Peter arrived after him,
he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there,
and the cloth that had covered his head,
not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place.
Then the other disciple also went in,
the one who had arrived at the tomb first,
and he saw and believed.
For they did not yet understand the Scripture
that he had to rise from the dead.

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Fourth Sunday of Lent 2020

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Mass Readings

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First Reading: 1 Samuel 16:1B, 6-7, 10-13A
Responsorial: Psalm 23: 1-3A, 3B-6
Second Reading: Ephesians 5:8-14
Gospel: John 9:1-41

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/032220.cfm
https://www.deaconrudysnotes.org/

These are strange times, to be sure! But my brothers and sisters, I have Good News! Jesus tells us in the Gospel, “I am in the light of the world,” (John 9:5). That is such an important message for us all to hear and to believe. And it is an important message for us to share.

Someone you know right now is a healthcare worker, or a police officer or in the national guard or some other person vital to helping us get through this crisis, like people who work at power plants, sanitation workers, employees at grocery stores, pharmacies, cell phone companies, even online entertainment streaming companies. It’s so easy to be overcome by news about the virus or about the economy, especially for people who put their faith in the world.

But my brothers and sisters, we are saved only by Jesus Christ. There are people out there right now who are nervous or frightened. But Christian disciples – those who are born anew through the waters of baptism and accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, are called to bear witness to the truth.

As St. Paul tells us today, we need to live as children of the light, (Ephesians, 5:8). We need to share the light of Jesus Christ with others and we need to care of our Christian communities.

What does that mean? Let’s talk through some practical discipleship, in no particular order.

First, if you know someone who works in healthcare, law enforcement, the national guard, or some other employee who is required to work right now, reach out to them. They may not be able to receive a call, but maybe send them a text message or if you can, mail them a card. Let them know you are praying for them, and as one of my friends in the UK says, let them know how bloody marvelous they are!

Second, check on your family and friends – especially anyone you know who lives alone. Stay connected. Sure, messenger apps are fine, but actually try to call. Talk to encourage each other and find out if there is anything they need. It’s totally possible to help. An expat friend living in Ireland was able to reach out to a grocery store in the States and arrange for a grocery order and delivery to an elderly relative. Technology gives us so many creative opportunities to help one another. Don’t underestimate how you can help.

For those who can venture out, asking your friends, especially those who live alone and might be at higher risk, if you can pick up something for them while you’re out is a huge help! Even a book of crossword puzzles can really help lift spirits.

And one of the final things you can do, don’t forget about your Christian community – the physical building that is the anchor of our Christian communities. Regardless of the situation, you’ve got to keep the lights on – you’ve got to pay the bills. So please, if you can, send your regular contribution to your local church. They really need the money to help keep the doors so that when this crisis is over, we can all come back together.

We are Christian and if there ever was a time to show your love for others, it’s now.

Like the old Christian hymn says, “And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love, yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love!”

Homework! Nourished by the Word of God proclaimed and by an act of Spiritual Communion, I ask you to reflect on the following two questions:

  1. The blind man went and washed, and came back able to see. How can I be more attentive to the needs of those around me?
  2. He said, “I do believe, Lord,” and he worshipped him. How can I dedicate more time to prayer, worship and service?

Do you got it? Do you get it? Good! Now go make disciples! Y’all stay safe and flatten the curve! May Almighty God bless you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit! +Amen!

References:

  1. Lectio Divina Of The Gospels. Washington, D.C.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2019.
  2. Martin, Francis and William M. Wright IV. The Gospel of John. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2015.
  3. The Bible: A Study Bible freshly translated by Nicholas King. Buxhall, Suffolk UK: Kevin Mayhew, 2013.
  4. Williamson, Peter S. Ephesians. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2009.

Catechism References: Easily search the Catechism at http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm

  1. Christ the light of the nations, 280, 529, 748, 1165, 2466, 2715
  2. Original Sin, 396-406
  3. Jesus is the Son of David, 439, 496, 559, 2616
  4. Christians are to be light of the world, 782, 1243, 2105
  5. Witnessing to the truth, 905, 909, 2044, 2471-73
  6. Liturgical signs and symbols, 1145-52
  7. Baptism is illumination, 1216
  8. Forgiveness of sins, 1229-33
  9. Punishments of sin, 1263-64
  10. Christian initiation, 1472-73
  11. Various kinds of sin, 1852
  12. Mortal sin, 1861
  13. Idolatry, 2113
  14. Covetousness as impurity and as greed, 2514-15; 2534-38
  15. The pure in heart, 2518-19
  16. Modesty, 2521-22
  17. Greed, 2535-38

Fourth Sunday of Lent
Lectionary: 31
Mass Readings http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/032220.cfm

First Reading
1 Samuel 16:1B, 6-7, 10-13A
The LORD said to Samuel:
“Fill your horn with oil, and be on your way.
I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem,
for I have chosen my king from among his sons.”

As Jesse and his sons came to the sacrifice,
Samuel looked at Eliab and thought,
“Surely the LORD’s anointed is here before him.”
But the LORD said to Samuel:
“Do not judge from his appearance or from his lofty stature,
because I have rejected him.
Not as man sees does God see,
because man sees the appearance
but the LORD looks into the heart.”
In the same way Jesse presented seven sons before Samuel,
but Samuel said to Jesse,
“The LORD has not chosen any one of these.”
Then Samuel asked Jesse,
“Are these all the sons you have?”
Jesse replied,
“There is still the youngest, who is tending the sheep.”
Samuel said to Jesse,
“Send for him;
we will not begin the sacrificial banquet until he arrives here.”
Jesse sent and had the young man brought to them.
He was ruddy, a youth handsome to behold
and making a splendid appearance.
The LORD said,
“There—anoint him, for this is the one!”
Then Samuel, with the horn of oil in hand,
anointed David in the presence of his brothers;
and from that day on, the spirit of the LORD rushed upon David.

Responsorial
Psalm 23: 1-3A, 3B-4, 5, 6.
R. (1) The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
He guides me in right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
With your rod and your staff
that give me courage.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
for years to come.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Second Reading
Ephesians 5:8-14
Brothers and sisters:
You were once darkness,
but now you are light in the Lord.
Live as children of light,
for light produces every kind of goodness
and righteousness and truth.
Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.
Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness;
rather expose them, for it is shameful even to mention
the things done by them in secret;
but everything exposed by the light becomes visible,
for everything that becomes visible is light.
Therefore, it says:

“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will give you light.”

Verse Before The Gospel
John 8:12
I am the light of the world, says the Lord;
whoever follows me will have the light of life.

Gospel
John 9:1-41
As Jesus passed by he saw a man blind from birth.
His disciples asked him,
“Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents,
that he was born blind?”
Jesus answered,
“Neither he nor his parents sinned;
it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him.
We have to do the works of the one who sent me while it is day.
Night is coming when no one can work.
While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
When he had said this, he spat on the ground
and made clay with the saliva,
and smeared the clay on his eyes,
and said to him,
“Go wash in the Pool of Siloam” —which means Sent—.
So he went and washed, and came back able to see.

His neighbors and those who had seen him earlier as a beggar said,
“Isn’t this the one who used to sit and beg?”
Some said, “It is, “
but others said, “No, he just looks like him.”
He said, “I am.”
So they said to him, “How were your eyes opened?”
He replied,
“The man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes
and told me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’
So I went there and washed and was able to see.”
And they said to him, “Where is he?”

He said, “I don’t know.”

They brought the one who was once blind to the Pharisees.
Now Jesus had made clay and opened his eyes on a sabbath.
So then the Pharisees also asked him how he was able to see.
He said to them,
“He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and now I can see.”
So some of the Pharisees said,
“This man is not from God,
because he does not keep the sabbath.”
But others said,
“How can a sinful man do such signs?”
And there was a division among them.
So they said to the blind man again,
“What do you have to say about him,
since he opened your eyes?”
He said, “He is a prophet.”

Now the Jews did not believe
that he had been blind and gained his sight
until they summoned the parents of the one who had gained his sight.
They asked them,
“Is this your son, who you say was born blind?
How does he now see?”
His parents answered and said,
“We know that this is our son and that he was born blind.
We do not know how he sees now,
nor do we know who opened his eyes.
Ask him, he is of age;
he can speak for himself.”
His parents said this because they were afraid
of the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed
that if anyone acknowledged him as the Christ,
he would be expelled from the synagogue.
For this reason his parents said,
“He is of age; question him.”

So a second time they called the man who had been blind
and said to him, “Give God the praise!
We know that this man is a sinner.”
He replied,
“If he is a sinner, I do not know.
One thing I do know is that I was blind and now I see.”
So they said to him,
“What did he do to you?
How did he open your eyes?”
He answered them,
“I told you already and you did not listen.
Why do you want to hear it again?

Do you want to become his disciples, too?”
They ridiculed him and said,
“You are that man’s disciple;
we are disciples of Moses!
We know that God spoke to Moses,
but we do not know where this one is from.”
The man answered and said to them,
“This is what is so amazing,
that you do not know where he is from, yet he opened my eyes.
We know that God does not listen to sinners,
but if one is devout and does his will, he listens to him.
It is unheard of that anyone ever opened the eyes of a person born blind.
If this man were not from God,
he would not be able to do anything.”
They answered and said to him,
“You were born totally in sin,
and are you trying to teach us?”
Then they threw him out.

When Jesus heard that they had thrown him out,
he found him and said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”
He answered and said,
“Who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?”
Jesus said to him,
“You have seen him,
the one speaking with you is he.”
He said,
“I do believe, Lord,” and he worshiped him.
Then Jesus said,
“I came into this world for judgment,
so that those who do not see might see,
and those who do see might become blind.”

Some of the Pharisees who were with him heard this
and said to him, “Surely we are not also blind, are we?”
Jesus said to them,
“If you were blind, you would have no sin;
but now you are saying, ‘We see,’ so your sin remains.

or
Jn 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38

As Jesus passed by he saw a man blind from birth.
He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva,
and smeared the clay on his eyes,
and said to him,
“Go wash in the Pool of Siloam” — which means Sent —.
So he went and washed, and came back able to see.

His neighbors and those who had seen him earlier as a beggar said,
“Isn’t this the one who used to sit and beg?”
Some said, “It is, “
but others said, “No, he just looks like him.”
He said, “I am.”

They brought the one who was once blind to the Pharisees.
Now Jesus had made clay and opened his eyes on a sabbath.
So then the Pharisees also asked him how he was able to see.
He said to them,
“He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and now I can see.”
So some of the Pharisees said,
“This man is not from God,
because he does not keep the sabbath.”
But others said,
“How can a sinful man do such signs?”
And there was a division among them.
So they said to the blind man again,
“What do you have to say about him,
since he opened your eyes?”
He said, “He is a prophet.”

They answered and said to him,
“You were born totally in sin,
and are you trying to teach us?”
Then they threw him out.

When Jesus heard that they had thrown him out,
he found him and said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”
He answered and said,
“Who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?”
Jesus said to him,
“You have seen him, and
the one speaking with you is he.”
He said,
“I do believe, Lord,” and he worshiped him.