Jer 31:7-9; Heb 5:1-6; Mk 10: 46-52
30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Master, I want to see.”
It’s curious, isn’t it, that Jesus would ask the blind man who is calling out to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” Wouldn’t it be obvious to anyone with an IQ above that of a tomato, let alone the Son of God, that the blind man would want to see? When we reflect upon the deeper, spiritual meaning of the story the answer might not be so obvious, however.
Do we really want to see? More specifically: Do we really want to see the Truth? Garfield the cat, the main character in a popular comic strip here in the United States, once wisely said: “The Truth will set you free. But first, it will make you miserable.” Seeing the truth about myself or my world or my Church (!) may require me to acknowledge that there is some sort of evil afoot that my complacency , or at times willing participation, has aided and abetted. As an American, I might have to admit that actions my nation have taken supposedly in the name of Democracy abroad or improving the plight of the poor and defenseless at home may actually have contributed to the weakening of both. As a Catholic, I may have to take a long hard look at my Church and see the hypocrisy that is covered with a cross or some incense and paraded around as the will of God. As a white man living in the lap of luxury, I may have to recognize the multitude of subtle ways that “white male priviledge” has given me benefits and advantages I do not really deserve.
Who could possibly want to see those sorts of things? Not too many of us (certainly not me) if we are honest about the question. That’s why we need Jesus. The ability to really see Truth is a gift of God’s grace. One that opens our eyes to the true circumstances of our lives and enables us to see the needs, and also the blessings, that surround us.
As we reflect upon and listen to this weeks readings, let our prayer be that our hearts, and the hearts of all who make up the Body of Christ, be truly open to the healing presence of Christ, and that together we might all proclaim, “Master, we wish to see!”
Jim Philipps (3rd millennium pilgrim)
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