Today’s Gospel reading is about the blind man who Jesus healed. It is an interesting story that begins with blame: Who sinned? This man or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus, of course, sees things differently. Why is it though that we are so quick to blame and judge? As the story progresses these people who can physically see again have narrow vision, refusing to believe that this man who can now see is the same one who was once blind. They haul in his parents, who also refuse to rejoice at the man’s healing. The one with new vision now announces that Jesus is from God, believing in him and all he is.
My challenge in this reading is to see with new eyes, eyes that God has given me. I prefer sometimes to see through my own vision, distorted as it gets some days. Yesterday, I was having a bad glasses day. Nothing seemed to get them clean. I was frustrated at living in a blurry world. When we use our spiritual eyes, we can see clearly. Perhaps we can even see without blame or judgment. We can seek out the goodness and blessings around us instead of the negativity and doom.
Years ago when I was invited to go into a sweat lodge with a friend, I prayed beforehand, asking for a sign that I was indeed to do this. After offering my tobacco, I looked up and saw a gorgeous red-tailed hawk circling above me. It flashed its red tail at me, as if to beckon me to come on the journey. Hawks, like eagles, have strong vision. Since that offering, some days when I am driving and wonder if I have lost my way or doubt that I am on the right road, a hawk or eagle will appear and I know all is well.
When we look for spiritual signs, we see rightly. When we ask for a view from God’s perspective, we see things that we never would see otherwise. When we have a vision that is not our own, but belongs to the One who wants healing and wholeness, miracles happen. May you be given eyes that see this day.
Peace,
Suzanne
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