Wednesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Recently at Bible Study, we were talking about a phrase in Matthew’s Gospel “the evil eye”. As we dug deeper into our resources we realized that in Jesus day this understanding of the evil eye meant that a look could harm someone. Through further discussion we explored all things that have to do with eyes. Although we never talked of blindness, we did talk of cataracts and how they muddy our vision. A person who just had her cataracts removed described how once again she was able to see the brilliance of colors and light.
The importance of eyes and sight was not lost on Jesus who spent much of his active ministry trying to help people see more clearly both literally and figuratively. Perhaps that is why he liked healing the blind as it was a metaphor that could speak well beyond the physical healing. Also, it was one of the clear signs in Isaiah of the Messiah who would recover the sight of the blind. Today’s reading reveals that healing of the blindness can be a gradual process.
Consider then our own areas of blindness. You might say, “Well, how should I know because I am blind to them.” Yes, but we encounter blind spots while driving and we are safest when we have a healthy awareness of their presence. It is then that we turn to look over our shoulders so we can see what might be hidden. Still, how do we become aware of our spiritual blind spots?
Today’s first reading from James can give us a context for understanding our own blindness. If we need to be slow to speak, quick to hear and slow to anger, then we ought to reflect upon the times when we fail to do these things. These times when we are quick to speak, slow to hear and quick to anger are likely to be precisely the areas of our blindness.
Spend some time today contemplating these areas that could use some enhanced vision. Discern with the Lord one practical step which could be acted upon to help you be a more faithful doer of the Word.
"Loving and Merciful God, Strengthen us this day so that we might become more open to welcoming the Word that you have planted in our hearts. Remove all that impedes our sight so that we may live in a manner that is righteous and holy in Your sight. Amen!"
- Michael Montgomery