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In the drama of John’s gospel, it is easy to think that the question of sight only
applies to the healing of the blind man. As we look closer, however, we realize that all of
the participants are called to answer for what they see or have seen. Just as Samuel
originally saw only his idea of reality, so also, some of the participants in John’s narrative
are too fixed in their preconceptions to see what is right in front of them. In studying the
Pharisees’ reaction, I could not help but think of “The Allegory of the Cave” from Plato’s
Republic.
There we find a story of humanity chained in a darkened cave throughout life.
These captives can see nothing but flickering images on a wall—shadows, appearances,
illusions—which they take for reality. One prisoner, liberated from the chains, makes the
arduous crawl upward to the world of the shining sun.
When he returns to the cave with his tales of the new-found source of light and the life
and warmth it gives, the prisoners think him crazy. They simply deny his experience. It
just can't be. The chains and the amusing images on the wall are reality. Thus his
conversion is ridiculed; his invitation is resisted.
Clearly there are parallels between the Platonic myth of the cave and the story of
the man born blind. Each figure is given new sight. Each is rejected by the inhabitants of
the old world. And even the so-called wise authorities would rather cling to their chains
and discuss the shadows than embark on the journey of faith.
It is interesting to note that Plato’s allegory is also a journey from darkness to
light; from blindness to sight. Light and darkness are the central elements of John’s
gospel. And for John, true sight is the ultimate reaction of Christians to the Light of
Christ. This is no simple feat, however, like turning on a switch in a darkened room. Even
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