By Diane Maupin of Lee’s Summit, Missouri USA
Jesus said, “I came into this world for judgment so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind.” Some of the Pharisees near him heard this and said to him, “Surely we are not blind, are we?” Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would not have sin. But now that you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains.”
In this story, a blind man is healed by Jesus, not in response to the blind man’s request, but in response to questions raised by Jesus’ disciples. This is followed by countless questions by the religious authorities. How did this happen? Who did this? Is this even allowed on the Sabbath?
Lost in the interrogations is the miracle that Jesus made it possible for the man to see. We don’t hear his fascination with seeing bright colors for the first time or his reaction to recognizing loved ones. This miracle is swallowed up by legalistic opinions and questions of its adherence to Jewish law. But the author of John does capture the man’s succinct response to what has happened in his life: “One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.”
The “how’s” and “why’s” fade away as the man simply says, “I can see.”
Do we get caught up in “how’s” and “why’s” that keep us from seeing—or that keep us from helping others see? Just as Jesus acted to bring wholeness into this man’s life, may we see needs around us that we can address. May we work to bring wholeness into our world so all may see and experience life in its fullness.
Prayer Phrase
“Happy are those who observe justice” (Psalm 106:3).
Healing and Reconciliation
Gather a small mound of stones. Meditate on the stones as symbols of differences and destructive acts that continue to separate and wound the human family. Name and anoint each “stone wound” with a drop of water or scented oil. Offer them to God in a prayer for healing and reconciliation.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.