THROUGH UNTRUE

In today’s Gospel reading, the blind man fervently implores Jesus, "Master, I want to see!" (Mark 10:51). In an age where moral relativism is exacerbated by communication and social media, our sincere prayer should be: "Master, deliver us from choice blindness!"

Choice blindness is a psychological phenomenon that afflicts many of us today. It leaves us confused about our preferences, rendering us oblivious to the consequences of our decisions. Even more troubling, when we realize that we have made poor choices, we often become defensive and resort to rationalization.

Consider the student who laments, “I spend my precious time texting, checking my email, scrolling through social media, watching vlogs and videos, and streaming movies. I hardly have time to study." If he then adds, "Well, this is my choice, and I stand by it even if I don’t graduate," he demonstrates choice blindness.

Consumers, who overly depend on advertisers' persuasive language, may find themselves purchasing products that do not truly align with their preferences. They exhibit choice blindness when, despite the product causing them disappointment and regret, they still defend their decision, pretending to feel content or satisfied.

Another example of choice blindness is a woman who is so physically attracted to a man that she forgets the qualities she initially sought in a life partner. She decides to marry him, ultimately leading to disappointment over time. Yet, fearing to acknowledge her mistake, she resigns herself to a life of regret and self-loathing.

Choice blindness is also rampant in our democratic processes. Voters, swayed by surveys and infomercials of candidates may fail to grasp the implications of their choices, resulting in outcomes that do not reflect their true desires. Tragically, even when election results lead to disenfranchisement and disillusionment, voters often justify their poor decisions by saying, "At least I voted for the candidate whom I like. To each his own."

Moreover, choice blindness helps explain why many people consistently lament the negative aspects of our world. They fixate on issues beyond their control, such as the weather, traffic, rising prices, and endless political hearings. They rationalize their misery by claiming that their negative outlook is unavoidable, and they cannot but choose it.

In contrast, happy individuals tend to cultivate a mindset that focuses on the positive, regardless of external circumstances. They do not easily crumble under the weight of challenges. Rather than focus on what they lack, they count their blessings, answered prayers, and unexpected joys. Undoubtedly, their faith helps them maintain that positive disposition.

In the Gospel story of the healing of the blind man, Jesus did not say, "I will heal you." Instead, He proclaimed, "Your faith has saved you" (Mark 10:52). With these words, Jesus points to a powerful antidote for choice blindness. For, while it was indeed Jesus who restored his sight, the blind man's faith laid the foundation for this miracle. 

Many people perceive faith as an abstract belief, often associated with those who lack a deep understanding of reality and lean toward magical solutions for their problems. However, true faith involves a sincere belief in Someone greater than oneself, often accompanied by an unwavering conviction that despite the tragedies we experience, life has a meaning and purpose.

Given his circumstances, the blind man could have easily succumbed to despair, allowing it to dominate his life. Instead, he refused to let the harsh realities of his situation limit what Jesus could do for him. He viewed his blindness and subsequent healing as part of a larger, divine plan. He did not simply regain his sight; he gained an expansive vision. This is why, after his healing, he chose to "follow Jesus on the way" (Mark 10:52).