Introduction
Those with fond memories of the popular BBC sitcom One foot in the Grave may remember that the programme’s central character, the cantankerous Victor Meldrew, was fond of saying the phase ‘I don’t believe it!’ This catchphrase has seen a revival in recent months as a range of populist politicians and social media commentators appear to doubt anything they see or read.
The issue of belief is at the heart of Jesus’ encounter with a man born blind, and the subsequent actions of the Pharisees. Indeed, the Pharisees appear to be first century Victor Meldrews, whose disbelief reveals that they are blind to the truth of what Jesus has done. Conversely, the man who has his sight restored, has his eyes opened in every sense, and puts his faith in Jesus.
Context
Two US intelligence chiefs testified before Congress about the possible links between Russia and President Donald Trump's election campaign.
Famine continues to wreak havoc in parts of Africa.
Theresa May to trigger Article 50 on 29 March 2017.
Research shows that mothers are more likely to give their children cash.
Controversy continues over the legacy of Martin McGuinness.
Reflection
Most of us are familiar with the adage ‘seeing is believing’, which means that if we are presented with incontrovertible evidence on an important matter, we are likely to believe it. A good example of this is the current famine in parts of Africa, where shocking images of starving people have spurred many to give generously to famine relief.
However, there are times when this is not the situation. One suspects that the compelling testimonies given by the US intelligence experts on alleged Russian spying, or possible wire taps on Trump Tower, will not convince those linked to the Trump administration to believe this evidence.
While much has been said about ‘truth’ and ‘facts’ over the last year - and in the last week in particular, about the legacy of Northern Ireland's IRA-chief-turned-politician Martin McGuinness, we can see from today’s Gospel reading that there is ‘nothing new under the sun’. In this well-known account, Jesus did something both miraculous and merciful for a man born blind. Yet, for a variety of reasons, the Pharisees refused to believe what had taken place.
It can be argued that they were well within their rights to investigate what had occurred via a cross examination of the former blind man and his parents. One has only to observe a skilful illusionist at work to know that seeing should not always result in believing! Their error, however, was their refusal to accept the truth after their thorough inquiries. In Matthew 13.14, Jesus talks about people who are forever seeing, but never perceiving (the truth).
Our prayer should be that we always perceive when God is moving in our lives, or a particular situation, and praise him accordingly.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ,
we thank you that your message is for all,
especially the last, the least and the lost.
We thank you that from the outset of your ministry
you revealed your mercy and loving kindness to all, especially the needy.
May we know the fullness of your grace,
and, we pray, give us the faith and compassion
to reach out to those in need of your divine touch.
This we ask in your name.
Amen.
Questions
- When is seeing not believing?
- While it may be prudent to have a certain healthy scepticism, at what point should we start believing?
Action
In the Gospel reading Jesus restored the sight of a man born blind; he looked beyond various socio-religious conventions (healing on the Sabbath) and saw someone in need. While we may not have the power to heal, there is still a great deal of need in our communities, and we have the capacity to make a difference, much like Jesus did. Consider how, as a church community, you can support those in your wider community with needs such as poverty (e.g. through food banks), homelessness (night shelters), and access issues (lifts to church, community centres and surgeries).
Young people
As we are still in the season of Lent, which we normally associate with abstinence of some form, invite the young people to forgo an activity which requires money, and to donate the money instead to the East African famine relief appeal.
Richard Reddie is a writer and cultural commentator. His most recent book, ‘Martin Luther King Jr: History Maker’ is published by Lion Hudson. He is a Warden at St James Church, West Streatham, London.
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