St. Augustine taught that the New Testament is hidden in the Old Testament and the Old is revealed in the New. We see this presented in our readings for today. Isaiah presents how “the deaf shall hear” and “out of the gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind will see” (Isaiah 29:18).
Jesus heals the blind men who call out to him believing that he is indeed the Son of David, the messiah, the anointed one. Jesus recognizes their faith that has healed them but he also points out that they are still in need of healing. They see, but they, like the apostles and others who are seeking the coming of the messiah, a messiah that is like David, a political and military leader that will lead a revolution to overthrow the occupying power of Rome.
Jesus told them clearly not to tell anyone what had happened, because he was not about to promote a cult of personality and nor have them portray him in a false way. Yet, share they did, their encounter with Jesus with great joy.
Though we may have eyes to see and ears to hear, are we too are also spiritually blind to who Jesus truly is. Jesus came into the world just over two thousand years ago as the visible reality of the embodiment of God who is love. Jesus calls us to be conformed to this same love. No easy task, for we are called to humility, repentance, and transformation.
The apostles and saints were those who followed Jesus and were willing to be transformed by the fire of his love. They encountered Jesus, had faith in him and believed. They then went out to share with all they met about their encounter. Will we follow the same path? Do we believe that Jesus is truly who he said he is, the Son of God, the second Person of the Trinity, who became one with us so that we can become one with him and his Father to experience the love of the Holy Spirit?
Let us pray together:
Jesus, this Advent, help me to choose to walk out from the gloom and darkness of anxiety, fear, and insecurity, and place my trust in your revealing light that I may walk with confidence on your path of love. Free me from any distractions and diversions such that I may experience the closeness you know with your Father. Please help me to place my trust in you, and heal my blindness so that I can see more clearly and reject the lies that lead me astray.
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Photo: Rosary walk back home in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
Spiritual Stepping Stones