Sermon On Freedom In Blindness

José Saramago, a Portuguese writer once remarked: “Why did we become blind? I don't know, perhaps one day we'll find out. Do you want me to tell you what I think? Yes, do. I don't think we did go blind, I think we are blind, blind but seeing. Blind people who can see, but do not see.” Matthew 15:14 reminds us: Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.”

Blindness is defined in its primary interpretation as the condition of becoming sightless due to injury, disease, or a congenital condition. Equally, it may be deemed as an individual’s lack of perception, awareness or judgment. Sight is considered one of the five fundamental senses. It has great significance in so much that it allows one to view and appreciate the natural beauty of the world in all its glory and magnificence. It steers a complicated process of navigation and encourages a positive footing in the surrounding conditions.

For those who suffer from its physical impairment, life can often become a struggle. Touch may have to replace the ease and clarity that perhaps once existed, and caution prevails in every forward movement. Sight is a sense that may form an understanding or appreciation, but if it is diminished or lost completely, then the structure of life not only becomes a perceived loss of freedom, but one grounded in inhibitions. The importance and reliance of other senses become heightened, with more trust and dependence to replenish the profound inescapable loss. In some cases, blindness can unfortunately originate from birth. However, God can become the freedom in its cecity.

Other possible infractions can cause a sense of loneliness and isolation to emerge. A person may become engrossed in an insular personal world that is one of darkness with no hope of light. The future becomes bleak with anxieties and a depressive outlook on life. However, if we seek God’s help in these troubled times, then He can lead or shine the necessary illumination into the life of the afflicted to evolve not only new hope, but possibly restore sight. Luke 18:35-43 reminds us: “As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.”

Perception is an intricate aspect of life. It allows the ability to interpret and understand sometimes elusive information that may be concealed or not visibly apparent, It reinforces the potential to see and interpret what can’t be seen by the naked eye. This is gleaned from complex situations, which permit a realistic reasoning to emerge and identify, making sense of the world about us. It elucidates circumstances, guides, and interacts with the surroundings by assigning meaning to the stimuli received through the senses. Fundamentally, it could significantly influence the personal desires of life. Knowledge and aspirations are often said to affect perception.

According to scientific research, human acumen may be attuned to the principles of moral reasoning. Moreover, it creates an awareness that even though it is permissible to appreciate and enjoy the lesser things in life, these should never be allowed to become the primary focus. If our first love concentrates on unnecessary personal desires, there is little room left for the love of God. 1 John 2:15-17 reminds us: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world - the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life - is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”

Although sight itself does not require faith, it is based on physical perception. There is a tendency by some, to only see what one wants to see and thus, may disregard other pertinent factors, even though they are clearly visible. However, faith is important in our perception of God. Faith is a belief in something unseen, and in a spiritual context, like machinery in a factory it requires a degree of dependency. If machinery stops working then an element of blindness may result as one can’t usually see where the offending fault lies. One may close their eyes and walk away, but that does not cure the problem. It usually has to be repaired by a qualified tradesman, or it will never work as it should. Such is life, if we close our eyes to the sins of the world, we deceive and blind ourselves of immoral truth.