Why was this man born blind? Jesus is asked this question by disciples convinced that there is a link between the condition of the man born blind and his behavior or that of his parents. Seeing things in this way places God on the side of the causes, makes him responsible for reality as it is, including the evil that mars it. It was tempting to see things in such a simple fashion. But already at the time of the First Testament, people realized that this kind of answer, even if it served the cause of monotheism, was insufficient and posed as many problems as it solved.

Jesus’ words are categorical: “Neither he nor his parents sinned.” The activity of his Father cannot be the cause of a misfortune or a punishment for sin. His Father is always at work, but this work is always on the side of life. That is where we have to look for it. Jesus substitutes a different link than that which people want to make between God and misfortune—the link with life, or rather, the link with a combat so that life will come out on top.

Instead of giving an explanation, an abstract answer to a “why?” John’s Gospel places us in front of someone who is exposed, fragile, ready to give his life. In this respect, chapter 9 is appropriately followed by chapter 10 where Jesus speaks of a shepherd who gives his life for his sheep, the life he came to bring to the full.

Whys can remain. But, when we contemplate the Father who reveals himself in the life of Christ, doubts concerning God are no longer possible. God cannot be understood as a mere spectator of the human adventure. He has committed himself totally to it, giving the most precious reality he has in a hand-to-hand struggle with evil and death. God does not save humanity from death and evil in all its forms by waving a magic wand, but rather by giving himself.

What other Bible texts or scenes from Christ’s life can help us to understand that God has waged a combat to allow life and joy to triumph?