"Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind
Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him (John9:3). We have heard these words in today`s Gospel reading. It would seem a great misfortune had afflicted this man, he was born blind, and he had never seen the beauty of God`s world. When people saw this man blind from birth, they immediately thought that God had sent him this misfortune as a severe punishment for his great sins, or those of his parents, because children are often punished for the sins of their parents.

And thus his Apostles thought when they saw the blind man, and they asked the Savior; "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind"? They heard this unexpected reply from His lips: "Neither this man sinned, nor his parents sinned, but that works of God should be revealed in him."

At first glance this is hard to understand: why should an innocent man be afflicted with such a misfortune? We are used to seeing God`s glory and mercies in beneficences that He sends us, not in misfortunes, sorrow, and afflictions, we thank the Lord when we receive His beneficences and generosity, not when he sends us afflictions. When we meet with even the slightest reverse we cry out " O Lord, why have punished us?"

But then a joyful day comes for the blind man, for the sun rose in the heavens for him, and he saw the sky and earth. What a great joy for him, who so thirsted to see God`s world! For the four since the world began it has been on heard of that anyone opened the eyes of one who was born blind said the blind man after he was healed.

But, dear brothers and sisters, he saw not only simple physical light, but his spiritual eyes were opened, and with the eyes of faith he saw the light of truth, the sun and the of righteousness the Savior. Through God`s mercy he who had been the blind, both physically and spiritually, apprehended the fountain of goodness – Among the Christ. Moreover, this the Eternal Light was revealed and became accessible to all. The long suffering of one blind man served to open the eyes of many to God`s glory.