BLIND LEADING THE BLIND

On October 23, 2019 Mumford & Sons released their latest single “Blind Leading the Blind,” on all digital streaming platforms.  The song infused with inspiration from the writing of American author John Steinbeck. In September 2019, this British folk-rock band accepted the prestigious John Steinbeck Award which is awarded annually to artists, writers, philosophers and activists who embody his legacy dedicated to delivering a raw perception of social issues plaguing the United States and around the world.

The song alludes to Mumford’s philanthropic efforts as an ambassador for War Child U.K. and Children in Conflict U.S. Mumford & Sons’ collective formation of the Gentlemen of the Road fund in 2016 donates “to charities fighting for social justice and common good around the world” fueled this single. Poignant lyrics such as “My generation’s stuck in the mirror / ‘Forget about the poor, ‘cause I don’t like the word’” attempts to expose people’s cynicism, as it touches on overall themes of intentional listening and community building based on the value of mutual respect.[1]

In Jesus’ estimation, the Pharisees had such tunnel vision he considers them blind, and anyone who follows their blindness will fall into the pit of blindness as well. These blind teachers are rooted not in God’s teaching but in their own superficial traditions—and God will uproot both them and their traditions.

We celebrate today the life of St. John Vianney, a member of the Secular Franciscan Order, life serves as a great example of personal faith having a great effect on other people and building the kingdom of God.

Through the “great guilt, and numerous sins” (Jer 30:15) of the French Revolution and the anticlerical terror, the community of Ars, France, had moved away from the Church and from growing in personal as well as communal faith. Even though the faith had diminished throughout the community we can hear the words of the Lord to Jeremiah today, “You shall be my people, and I will be your God” (Jer 30:22). In the small, forgotten rural area of Ars, St. John Vianney helped bring people closer to God.

One of the ways we can test our actions to see if they are truly based in our faith is how they help us to remember the forgotten. The kingdom of God never forgets the forgotten! In fact, we read in salvation history how God continually moves to include more people in his covenants, particularly those who are not the strongest or richest nations. Today, let us respond in faith at the words of our opening prayer, “through the intercession of St. John Vianney, may we in charity win brothers and sisters for Christ and attain with them eternal glory”[2]

---

[1] Billboard.com. “Mumford & Sons Want ot open Your Eves on ‘Blind Leading the Blind’ Single” by Heran Mano, 10/23/2019.

[2] Weekday HomilyHelps. Homily Suggestion by Colin King, OFM.