Tag: Seeing

Eyes of Faith

We know that Jesus performed many signs, wonders, and miracles of healing throughout his three years of teaching and ministry. We hear in St. Matthew’s Gospel, “Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, went up on the mountain, and sat down there. Great crowds came to him, having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute, and many others. They placed them at his feet, and he cured them. The crowds were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the deformed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind able to see, and they glorified the God of Israel.” (NAB, 15:29-31) But Jesus didn’t humble himself and become one of us merely to be the greatest physician or miracle worker of all time; Jesus came for our eternal salvation, body and soul.

So, why did Jesus perform so many miracles? Authentic miracles reveal the divine presence and action, precisely because they defy our normal, human reason. Miracles act as external indications associated with the internal assistance and actions of the Holy Spirit regarding the revelation of God himself. Because they are “impossible” according to human reason, miracles open the door of faith, helping us to realize that our knowledge and understanding are limited, and pale in the presence of an infinite God.

Earlier in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus asked those who refused to believe in his power over the spiritual realm: “Which is easier to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk [to a crippled person]?’” (MT 9:5) His point is that anyone can say anything, but to demonstrate that his words are effective in the spiritual world, especially when he forgives sins, Jesus performed signs, wonders, and miracles in the physical world, which were “impossible” according to human reason.

Heavenly Father, give me eyes that see, eyes that see your presence in the ordinary and in the miraculous. Strengthen my faith in your power over this world, so that I may more deeply trust in your power over the world hereafter. Amen.

 

Believing is Seeing

Bartimaeus, the Blind Beggar, is sitting in his usual spot alongside the roadway when he hears that Jesus is walking by. Bartimaeus cries out, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” at which time some of the followers of Christ rebuke him, telling him to keep quiet so as not to bother Jesus. This doesn’t stop him: Bartimaeus again, loudly cries out, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” Jesus has Bartimaeus brought to him and asks what he wants. Bartimaeus responds, “Lord, please let me see.” In his mercy and compassion, Jesus gives him his sight, saying, “Your faith has saved you.” Bartimaeus received his sight and immediately began to follow Jesus, “giving glory to God.” (NAB, cf. LK 18:35-43) We can learn a few life principles from this interaction proclaimed in today’s Gospel.

(1) Bartimaeus knew what was keeping him from being united with the worshiping community. He was willing to recognize his needs and bring them to Jesus. We too, should reflect on our lives and admit our needs, “failures,” and shortcomings, and then bring them to Jesus.

(2) Bartimaeus didn’t let anyone or anything stand in his way. Oftentimes, we encounter obstacles to encountering Jesus. These obstacles come in many forms (e.g., certain personal relationships, insufficient desire or motivation to change, or lack of developed conscience to make good decisions). We must not be discouraged nor allow these to keep us from pursuing our Savior; rather, we must persist in calling out to him and trusting completely in his infinite love, mercy, and forgiveness.

(3) Bartimaeus didn’t base his faith on seeing. His faith was solidly rooted in hearing the words of Jesus and believing in the Gospel. Oftentimes, we are unable to see the workings of God in our lives, but by listening to God through reading the Holy Bible and hearing his Word proclaimed in his Church, by receiving the grace he offers in the Sacraments, and by believing his promises, teachings, and truths even in the midst of doubt, we establish and fortify our faith. We have all heard the saying, “Seeing is believing.” As Christians, perhaps we should rephrase it to, “Believing is seeing.” It is when we exercise our faith and believe, that we see the Hand of God at work. Our faith gives us sight.

Father, help me to acknowledge my needs and give me the courage I to overcome any obstacles that prevent me from bringing them to you. Strengthen my faith and belief so that I may see your hand at work in my life and follow you without reservation, for your glory. Amen.

Click for Mass Readings.