Friday 4^th December – Friday of the 1^st week of Advent

Reflection: Matthew 9: 27-31

HEALING OUR BLINDNESS

One of the recurring marks of the messiah’s presence foretold by the prophets is restoration of sight to the blind. “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened…” (Is 35:5); “I will lead the blind in a way they know not…I will turn the darkness before them into light” (Is 42:16) and in today’s first reading, “in that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book, and out of their gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind shall see.” (Is 29:18).

Yet, this restoration was not limited to those who were physically blind. The more important restoration is for all of us, blinded by sin and groping in the darkness of a godless world. The blind men in today’s gospel reading had heard about Christ and recognised that He was the only solution to their helpless state hence, once they knew He was close by, they continued to follow Him, seeking an encounter that they were certain would transform their lives – and they were not disappointed.

Beloved, do you recognise your spiritual blindness and your need for Christ? Through baptism which is also called “enlightenment”, the person baptised has been “enlightened” by Christ, the true light and becomes “light” himself (cf CCC 1216). Christ has begun the work of restoring our sight through our baptism. Yet, it is only in staying close to Him that we can prevent ourselves from being blinded again by sin. It is in being true disciples that we can prevent our intellect from being darkened and our will to do good from being weakened by the opposing standards of this world. Like the blind men did, it is only in witnessing to His saving power through a lively faith that we can clearly see the eternal hope which our Christian call holds for us. Let us ask our Lord to restore our sight so that we may ever live true to our call.

PRAYER: Thank you dear Lord for the gift of faith. Please rescue me from the blindness of sin and help me to truly live as a son of light. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: CCC 1216 – “This bath (Baptism) is called enlightenment, because those who receive this [catechetical] instruction are enlightened in their understanding…” Having received in Baptism the Word, “the true light that enlightens every man,” the person baptised has been “enlightened,” he becomes a “son of light,” indeed, he becomes “light” himself.

HIDE A TREASURE: “I ask that your minds be opened to see his light, so that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, how rich are the wonderful blessings he promises his people.” Ephesians 1:18 RSV-CE

Today’s Readings: Isaiah 29: 17-24; Psalm 27: 1,4, 13-14; Matthew 9: 27-31