VATICAN - Benedict XVI, in the Angelus: “the tendency in man to construct an ideological system of security is strong,” with an exhortation to allow Jesus to heal us, “Jesus who can and wants to give us the light of God”

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - In this Sunday of Lent, the Gospel of John, from the reading Cycle A, we find “a true and real baptismal itinerary,” Pope Benedict XVI said, prior to the recitation of the Angelus with pilgrims gathered in Saint Peter’s Square, on Sunday, March 2. Thus, following His promise to the Samaritan woman of the gift of “living water,” Jesus, in curing the blind man, reveals Himself to be “the light of the world.” Finally, next Sunday, raising His friend Lazarus from the dead, He will show that He is “the resurrection and the life.” “Water, light, life,” the Pope explained, “are symbols of baptism, the sacrament that 'immerses' believers in the mystery of the death and resurrection of Christ, freeing them from the slavery of sin and granting them eternal life.”
Focusing, in particular, on the story of the man born blind (Jn 9:1-41), whose blindness was considered by all to be a consequence of his sin or the sin of his parents, the Holy Father pointed out that, “Jesus dismisses this prejudice... Before the man marked by limitation and suffering Jesus does not think about possible faults, but about the will of God that created man for life.” This gesture alludes to the creation of man, “Adam,” in fact, means “soil.” “Healing the man, Jesus brings about a new creation.” Thus, at the end of the episode, Jesus is condemned by the Pharisees for violating the law and healing on the Sabbath and the blind man is also looked down upon by them, because despite the healing, he remains marked as a sinner from birth.
“To the blind man whom He healed,” the Pope continued, “Jesus reveals that He has come into the world for judgment, to separate the blind who can be healed from those who do not allow themselves to be healed because they presume that they are healthy. The tendency in man to construct an ideological system of security is strong: Even religion itself can become an element in this system, as can atheism, or secularism; but in constructing this system, one becomes blind to his own egoism. Dear Brothers and Sisters, let us allow Jesus to heal us, Jesus who can and wants to give us the light of God! Let us confess our own blindnesses, our myopias, and above all that which the Bible calls the ‘great sin’: pride.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 3/3/2008; righe 28, parole 399).