John 9:23

The parents of the man born blind conclude their interview by saying, “The boy is old enough to speak for himself. Why do you not ask him?” John 9:23 EFP 

The parents of the man at the center of this episode have reached the end of their rope. They have had enough. They are tired of the thinly veiled questions. They are exhausted by the endless queries aimed at discrediting the miracle that they know has taken place in their son’s life. They have had enough of the sanctimonious attitude of the committee that is responsible for their predicament.

“You know what?” they turn the question around. “Why don’t you ask him?” And as if to rub it in their faces they add, “He’s old enough to speak for himself!” There is more than a hint of frustration in their closing statement. Something extraordinary has taken place. It is clear to everyone but the religious leaders that something special has happened to their son. The only ones who cannot see it are the ones who are asking the questions trying to deny anything out of the ordinary has occurred. It is a standoff. Two sides face off and neither side is willing to say anything that will endanger their standing or their position. The parents fear loss of income and the little status they may have in their neighborhood. The men in charge of the proceedings fear the loss of religious authority and credibility in the community.

The man on whom the alleged miracle has been perpetrated stands silent while others argue the merits of the miracle without confusing the narrative with facts.  That would place them in an unenviable position. It sounds untenable, but it is a common scenario in a search for truth. Often the person in whom the truth lies is ignored until someone finally asked the question, “Why do we not hear from the one who knows what happened?” People avoid seeking the truth where it lies because of the fear that the truth will bring about undesired consequences. But truth is truth. It may not always be easy to hear, but it is what ought to be heard. Dialogue is pointless if truth stands on the sidelines waiting to be heard.