"Who Sinned that He Was Born Blind?"

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the question posed by the Apostles in John 9: "Who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" He explains that suffering is not always a direct result of personal or parental sin, but can serve to reveal the glory of God. Fr. Matthias then discusses the vital role of parents in raising children with a strong foundation in faith. He emphasizes the importance of training, admonishing, and modeling godly behavior consistently and patiently, highlighting how children learn through example as much as instruction. The talk also addresses the balance needed in discipline—restraining children from harmful actions while avoiding harshness that provokes discouragement. Fr. Matthias underscores how a child’s understanding of God often reflects their experience with their parents, especially the father’s role. He concludes by stressing the need for peace within the home and reliance on God’s guidance and mercy to raise children in the fear and knowledge of the Lord