The Country of the Blind

Gospel: Luke 6: 39-42

"In the country of the blind, the one-eyed man is king." So ends this famous short story about a nation of blind people all claiming knowledge and encouraging others to follow them.  Even the person with partial sight has no legitimate claim to knowledge and wisdom.  The story is an allegory on our human condition, for the entire world is composed of the blind seeking to control other blind people with illusions of knowledge they do not possess.  

In this illusion we claim to see the faults of others and the way to illumination when in reality we do not.  We become very adept at examination other people's consciences while ignoring our own.  Yet, the only path to illumination and sight is the admission of our own faults and healing of our own infirmities.  It is the recognition of our utter dependence on God who alone is the source of illumination.  It is, in the process, a turning away from all these other false lights who distract us from the Way.

In becoming aware of our collective blindness, perhaps our theological and political claims and allegiances might become more tempered and humble.  In the recognition of our collective dependence on a source outside ourselves for healing and insight, we might be less judgmental and more merciful toward others.  May our solidarity be rooted in this mutual need for help and for one another as we journey together to the kingdom of God.