Monday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time
One of my favorite things to do is to go hiking. Whether it is the snowy trees of winter, the springtime wildflowers, the lush green of summer or the beautiful colors of fall, I can see and feel God’s presence around me when I am wandering through the woods. Recently, as I was hiking, I was reflecting upon St. Ignatius’ phrase about “finding God in all things.” As I thought more about this concept, I realized that I was missing many opportunities to find God in my daily routine. Whether it was because of the busy schedule of the day, or because of my close minded attitude, I was not seeing God’s presence and love in so many circumstance of my life. It seems easy to see Him as I climb up trails surrounded by nature, but He is also present in the people at work ( even the person who drives me crazy) and in the traffic jam on the highway ( even when I am late for an appointment.) Not only am I not recognizing His presence, but I am missing out on many opportunities to respond to Him in love in the situations that I encounter. Today’s readings remind me that I am very much like the blind man in need of healing. I need to be given the ability to see God’s love and presence in the everyday occurrences of my life. Once I can see clearly, I can respond with gratitude and love. Like the blind man I will then be able to follow Jesus and give glory to God.
In the first reading from Revelation, John shares his “prophetic message” calling all to “heed what is written” (Rev 1:3)
Initially, John speaks of God’s encouragement to the people who have “endurance and have suffered for my name, and you have not grown weary.” (Rev 2: 3) But then, John goes on to say that “you have lost the love you had at first. Realize how far you have fallen. Repent, and do the works you did at first.” (Rev 2: 4-5) These words make me stop and take notice. As I go about my daily routine, am I really aware of God’s presence around me and the reason for my actions? Do I need to stop and realize how God is active in my life and how He is calling me to live? Am I doing things (although they are good things) out of habit and not out of love? Even in the practices of going to Mass, saying prayers etc., am I just going through the motions? John relates that if we do not repent and change our ways, God will “come to you and remove your lamp stand from its place.” (Rev 2:5) It makes sense that if we cannot recognize God’s presence, and allow His love to be in our lives, how can we be the light that He calls us to be?
In the gospel reading, we hear the story of Jesus curing the blind man. The blind man recognizes his need for healing and cries out to Jesus ‘Have pity on me!”(Luke 18: 38) Jesus responds in mercy and heals the man, who then “followed Him giving glory to God.” (Luke 18:43)
When I reflect on this reading, the one thing I find most significant is that Jesus asks the blind man “What do you want me to do for you?” (Luke 18: 41) Why would Jesus ask this question, since He certainly knew what the man desired? Even those standing around Him probably thought that this was an odd thing to say. I think that the question was not to help Jesus figure out what to do, but it allowed the blind man to stop and reflect on what he truly needed- healing from his blindness. Without naming our needs/failings, God cannot provide His mercy and healing. I believe that in many ways I am like the blind man. In order to find healing, I must humbly call out to God for His mercy recognizing my great need. Then I must recognize my failings, name them, and be open to God’s healing. Each one of us is somehow in need of God’s touch. I think that my blindness prevents me from recognizing God in all aspects of my life. I need to stop and realize all the barriers that stand in the way. Whether it is my hectic schedule, the frustrations of dealing with other people, or even becoming lulled into apathy with the monotony of life- I need to be healed and given new eyes to see Him everywhere and in everyone. With this new vision, I will no longer miss opportunities to “find God in all things”, but I will be able to grow deeper in my relationship with Him and know How best to love and serve Him. When we have the faith that allows God to live so richly in our lives, other people will notice. The blind man not only went away from his healing “giving glory to God”, but those that saw the healing “gave praise to God” as well. (Luke 18: 43) My life can become light for the world only when I recognize God in all the ways that He gives Himself to me, and then aware of His presence in my life, I can share Him with the world.
Father, you are present in the world around us speaking of your love through nature, people and the circumstances of our lives. May your healing Spirit give us eyes to see You, and with this vision may we follow your Son and give You glory in all that we think, say and do. We pray this in Jesus’ name.
AMEN
Marylynn Herchline