Relationship Restored

William Paul Young the author of the bestselling recounting of his personal spiritual journey describes, as do the psalmists the Divine delighting in humanity. The passage today,in the Roman Catholic lectionary, from the Book of Genesis portrays God as becoming aware of Noah after the flood by the sweet smell of pleasing burnt offerings. A literal pursuit of this imagery seems to offer much confusion and difficulty. The association of humanity with “a pleasant aroma” is a interesting counterpoint to “this situation stinks”. The psalmist and Noah find themselves in a position where the only response to God is deep thanksgiving. We are sometimes in situations which transform us into new experience and challenge. When do we consider the Presence that is with us in these times? As they are unfolding?, when we can pause and look back? The human response is in both categories. We are aware, like Noah and the psalmist of a powerful sustaining love which understands our person intimately. The episode from the Gospel is the experience of a personal touch which heals and renews our vision. Jesus seems to follow a ritual to accomplish this healing. The blind man is advised by Jesus actions and words that this is a special moment of intimacy between brothers where the love and compassion of the One heals the other. “Do this in memory of Me”