"I would prefer to be blind…"

January 18, 2011

Not much does scare us more than getting blind. Saramago was not the first to write about this kind of a pandemic. Similar stories were told by J. Wyndham (The Day of the Triffids)and H.G. Wells (The Country of the Blind). Interestingly, all three accounts make the reader identify himself with the one person who still sees, but is surrounded by the blind.

Strangely, at times all three express that they prefer to be blind like all others. It appears to be difficult to be different and see the results of social and moral decay. They get tired of warning the others. The Bible tells us of prophets and preachers who feel desperate and lonely because of their knowledge of the truth. Some consciously closed their eyes and stopped talking about dangers. They decide to share sweet lies instead.

Today the threat of Swine Flu frightens us. But Scripture informs us about a more devastating pandemic: spiritual blindness. As Christians we know that "where there is no vision, the people perish". But like the prophets, we may be tempted to stop talking about it and just affirm the blind by sharing sweet stories. Moses and Jeremiah knew the temptation. So did Jesus. But praise God, He did not give in, although 'the blind' spit Him out and crucified Him. Focusing on his Father's will He opened the grave, giving to the blind a glimpse of heaven.
 

Let us recommit ourselves to God so that He
can use us to give sight to the blind.
A higher vocation is unthinkable,
no brighter perspective imaginable!

May god bless you richly!

Arie Verduijn, 

Executive President AWF