The Blind Man

Yesterday was our 2nd scrutiny - which went much smoother than last week now that we knew the routine. It was also the day the Altar Servers got their crosses - which was quite a cute moment if you ask me. But, something important happened yesterday....

We read of the blind man who was healed by Christ.

Blind at birth, he was able to see only with the help of the Lord. In the Gospel, Jesus proclaimed that "He was born blind so that God's works might be revealed in him." (John 9:3) I mentioned to our bible study group that I had always interpreted that phrase to be more along the line of "God's works revealed THROUGH him" than "Of him" - That his blindness shouldn't be seen as punishment for sin, but as an opportunity for others (including the pharasees) to learn of the glory of God. In the long run, his disability was NOT a disability - just a DIFFERENT ability.

Yesterday was also the day I learned of the death of famed Toronto guitar player and friend of the family Jeff Healey. Not only was he an excellent musician and wonderful person, he was also blind...something that gave a certain special meaning to today's gospel. He lost his sight at a very young age due to a rare form of cancer (the same cancer that claimed his life 41 years later), but he did not let his "different ability" stop him from reaching his goals. He was an inspirition to all musicians and blind people alike.

But, he's gone now. He died Sunday afternoon in St. Joseph's hospital here in Toronto - only hours after millions of people worldwide read of the blind man who was given the gift of sight through Christ. Men could not cure Mr. Healey's blindness here on earth, but I'm sure he sees clearly now that he dwells in the house of our Lord.

May the Lord bless his soul.
Jeff Healey
1966-2008