I Was Blind, and Now I See" – A Catholic Reflection on John 9:1–41

Sight, Sin, and the Journey from Healing to Belief

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Introduction: A Sign That Illuminates More Than Eyes

John 9 is a powerful narrative of physical and spiritual transformation. Jesus heals a man born blind—not just to restore his sight, but to reveal the truth of who He is. As the chapter unfolds, the story becomes less about the miracle and more about the responses to it. The formerly blind man grows in faith and courage, while the Pharisees remain in spiritual darkness.

This chapter reminds us that belief is not simply a matter of witnessing miracles—it's about the disposition of the heart. Jesus seeks not just to open eyes, but to awaken souls.

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Verse-by-Verse Catholic Commentary

9:1–5

“Who sinned, this man or his parents…?”
Jesus corrects a common assumption: suffering is not always the result of sin. Instead, it becomes an opportunity for God’s glory to be revealed. Jesus again calls Himself “the light of the world” (see John 8:12).

9:6–7

“Go wash in the pool of Siloam…”
The use of clay and water echoes Genesis and Baptism. Jesus, the divine potter, creates new life from dust. The pool of Siloam (meaning “sent”) prefigures the waters of Baptism (CCC 1219).