How we respond to pressure can vary very much from person to person. In John’s Gospel, there are two related stories of people being healed, one in chapter 5 and the other in chapter 9, today’s reading. The man at the pool eventually betrays Jesus. The man born blind resists pressure and even grows on the strength of it. Part of his energy comes from his experience—no matter what others may say about Jesus, he himself once was blind and now he sees! His courageous attachment to what he knows from his personal encounter with Jesus leads eventually to a full act of faith.

Prayer

Faithful God, you call us to be faithful even in times of trial. Teach us to embrace the challenge of faith today, so that we may have the courage to grow and give courage to others by our witness.

Kieran O’Mahony, OSA