By Rev G Gwasira,
Anglican Church Chipadze
Scripture: John 9 vs 1 – 12
Jesu vanoporesa munhu akazvarwa
ari bofu. The English version reads:
Jesus heals a man born blind.
The biblical story of Jesus
healing a man born blind carries profound lessons about stigmatization and the
need for inclusivity. This article explores the societal challenges faced by
the blind man, the misconceptions surrounding disability, and Jesus’ transformative
act of compassion.
The man in question had been
blind since childhood, enduring years of societal stigmatization. Even the
Church and his own family faced the consequences of this stigma, leading to
isolation and hostility. Disability was mistakenly associated with divine punishment,
perpetuating a culture of cursing and generational blame.
During that time, disability was
wrongly understood as a consequence of sin. Both Jesus’ disciples and society
at large believed that the blind man or his parents must have sinned to warrant
such a condition. This prevailing belief further deepened the stigma associated
with disability, even within religious circles.
While the society saw a curse,
Jesus saw an opportunity for God’s glory to be manifested through healing. He
recognized the potential in the man born blind, contrasting the prevailing
narratives of generational curses. Jesus’ compassionate response challenged the
societal norms and demonstrated the power of inclusion.
This story invites us to
consider the two types of disability—those born with a disability and those who
acquire it through accidents or other circumstances. It emphasizes that every
person has the potential to experience disability at some point in their lives.
Therefore, stigmatizing individuals based on their disability is unjust and
unfounded.
As brothers and sisters, we are
called to embrace one another, regardless of our conditions. All humans are
created in the image of God, and He loves us all equally. Jesus’ act of healing
and transformation exemplifies the potential within each person, urging us to
view disability not as inability but as a unique aspect of diverse human
experiences.
In conclusion, the story of
Jesus healing the man born blind teaches us valuable lessons about the
importance of inclusivity and the detrimental effects of stigmatization. It
challenges us to create inclusive spaces within our Churches and institutions, where
all individuals are accommodated and embraced. Let us remember that disability
does not equate to inability, and that by fostering love and understanding, we
can build a more compassionate and inclusive society.
Blessings to you all!
