Recovery from Blindness

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today encourage us that faith in Providence is the first step in our progress against chaos as the Spirit reveals a clearer view of our journey.

A Clearer View in Chaos

The reading from the Book of Genesis presents God’s Promise to Noah after the Flood.

* [8:7–12] In the eleventh tablet of the Gilgamesh Epic, Utnapishtim (the equivalent of Noah) released in succession a dove, a swallow, and a raven. When the raven did not return, Utnapishtim knew it was safe to leave the ark. The first century A.D. Roman author Pliny tells of Indian sailors who release birds in order to follow them toward land.

* [8:13–14] On the first day of the first month, the world was in the state it had been on the day of creation in chap. 1. Noah had to wait another month until the earth was properly dry as in 1:9. (Genesis, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 116 is a thanksgiving for Recovery from Illness.

* [Psalm 116] A thanksgiving in which the psalmist responds to divine rescue from mortal danger (Ps 116:3–4) and from near despair (Ps 116:10–11) with vows and Temple sacrifices (Ps 116:13–14, 17–19). The Greek and Latin versions divide the Psalm into two parts: Ps 116:1–9 and Ps 116:10–19, corresponding to its two major divisions. (Psalms, PSALM 116 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus Cures a Blind Man at Bethsaida.

* [8:22–26] Jesus’ actions and the gradual cure of the blind man probably have the same purpose as in the case of the deaf man (Mk 7:31–37). Some commentators regard the cure as an intended symbol of the gradual enlightenment of the disciples concerning Jesus’ messiahship. (Mark, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB, n.d.)

Eileen Wirth shares a message for all of us impatient, driven people. When we have problems, especially those involving other people that we are helpless to solve, we need to turn things over to God and wait for his plan to be revealed.

We can call for help and suggest how God respond – promptly—but God may have different ideas. Maybe what we learn from our trials will make us better people. A very perceptive psychologist once wrote that no one wants to suffer but it can break us open and make us wiser and more compassionate. Tough as it can be, we just have to trust God’s infinite wisdom, love and mercy.

Like Noah in today’s reading, we have to learn to live through our trials at God’s pace, not ours.  Patience! (Wirth, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Through the divine word of Christ he received his sight,” attributed to Pseudo-Chrysostom, 5th century A.D.

"[Jesus] spat indeed, and put his hand upon the blind man, because he wished to show that wonderful are the effects of the Divine word added to action; for the hand is the symbol of working, but the spittle, of the word proceeding out of the mouth. Again he asked him whether he could see any thing, which he had not done in the case of any whom he had healed, thus showing that by the weak faith of those who brought him, and of the blind man himself, his eyes could not altogether be opened. There follows: 'And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees walking;' because he was still under the influence of unfaithfulness, he said that he saw men obscurely. From the commencement, however, of the return of his senses, he leads him to apprehend things by faith, and thus makes him see perfectly. He then goes on to say, After that, he put his hands again upon his eyes, and he began to see, and afterwards he adds, And he was restored, and saw all things clearly; he was perfectly healed in his senses and his intellect."

(excerpt from a Commentary on Mark 8:22-25, by an unknown early church father, who was thought for a time to be John Chrysostom (5 th century AD), now described as Pseudo-Chrysostom) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Genesis 8:6-13, 20-22 comments that as the Lord had been faithful in the past, Noah and his family could trust him in the future. Facing life after the flood, they knew they needed God’s protection and direction just as much as before. And they knew they could trust that he would take care of them. So they dedicated themselves to the Lord.

You can do that, too. Imagine building an “altar” in your heart, a place where you can offer thanks to God and rededicate your life to him. You can praise God for his protection when you have been called to stand in the face of a storm. You can thank him for the strength he has given you to follow him over the years. And like Noah, you can dedicate yourself anew each day to the God who has been so faithful to you.

Each day is a new beginning. So take the time to offer this new day to the Lord and give thanks to him for his faithfulness!

“Lord, I come to you with thanks and praise today. I surrender my life once more to your loving protection!” (Meditation on Genesis 8:6-13, 20-22, 2025)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the promise of God and the symbol of the rainbow that the earth will never be destroyed by flood again. The flood in Genesis resonates with ancient legends of the time. Friar Jude comments on the connection of the fate of the disciples to the two interventions as a parable in the account of Jesus healing in Bethsaida.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces writer-activist Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove who shares how civil rights icon Vincent Harding encouraged the riders to honor their own stories and those of others.

I watched young white people on that freedom ride unpack their so-called privilege, questioning basic assumptions about success and faithfulness. Our liberation was tied to that of young undocumented sisters and brothers who were also questioning the American dream—how the future it promised did not include their own parents. A formerly incarcerated African American man stood tall, celebrating a newfound pride that he was the son of women and men who had shown America what freedom means…. (Rohr, n.d.)

We may be able, in these days, to identify with the hope of Noah for a sign that the chaos in the world was coming under control through our relationship with God and our faith in Divine restoration of our vision for a world of love, compassion, and truth.

References

Genesis, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 19, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/8?6 

Mark, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 19, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/8?22 

Meditation on Genesis 8:6-13, 20-22. (2025, February 19). The Word Among Us. Retrieved February 19, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/02/19/1206424/ 

Psalms, PSALM 116 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 19, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/116?12 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Understanding Something New. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved February 19, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/understanding-something-new/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). The Blind Man Was Restored, and Saw Everything Clearly. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved February 19, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=feb19 

Wirth, E. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. Creighton University's Online Ministries. Retrieved February 19, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Archive/022019.html 

Patience Mercy and Justice

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to respond to the weeds in our environment with the love and patience of Christ.

Weeds and Wheat 

The reading from the Prophet Jeremiah proclaims God’s Judgement on the Nation.

* [7:1–15] The Temple of the Lord will not guarantee safety against enemy invasion or any other misfortune.

* [7:6] The alien: specially protected within Israelite society; cf. Ex 22:20; Nm 9:14; 15:14; Dt 5:14; 28:43. (Jeremiah, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 84 praises the Joy of Worship in the Temple.

* [Psalm 84] Israelites celebrated three pilgrimage feasts in Jerusalem annually. The Psalm expresses the sentiments of the pilgrims eager to enjoy the divine presence.

* [84:4] The desire of a restless bird for a secure home is an image of the desire of a pilgrim for the secure house of God, cf. Ps 42:2–3, where the image for the desire of the pilgrim is the thirst of the deer for water. (Psalms, PSALM 84 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Matthew presents the Parable of Weeds among the Wheat.

* [13:24–30] This parable is peculiar to Matthew. The comparison in Mt 13:24 does not mean that the kingdom of heaven may be likened simply to the person in question but to the situation narrated in the whole story. The refusal of the householder to allow his slaves to separate the wheat from the weeds while they are still growing is a warning to the disciples not to attempt to anticipate the final judgment of God by a definitive exclusion of sinners from the kingdom. In its present stage it is composed of the good and the bad. The judgment of God alone will eliminate the sinful. Until then there must be patience and the preaching of repentance.

* [13:25] Weeds: darnel, a poisonous weed that in its first stage of growth resembles wheat.

* [13:30] Harvest: a common biblical metaphor for the time of God’s judgment; cf. Jer 51:33; Jl 4:13; Hos 6:11. (Matthew, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB, n.d.)

Jay Carney comments that Jeremiah recognizes the ever-present danger that religious piety and worship become escapist or compartmentalized from the rest of our lives. Orthodoxy, literally “right worship,” requires orthopraxis, or “right action.”

Held together, then, Jeremiah 7 and Psalm 84 cut to the heart of the good news of the Jewish and Christian traditions. God calls us to a holistic gospel, connecting mind, body, and spirit, inner and outer, personal and social. We are called to recognize that genuine spirituality entails reforming our lives and reflecting in action what we profess with our lips. Yearn and pine for the courts of the Lord, yes, but first love your neighbor and do justice to the innocent. Then, by the grace of God, may we be counted among the wheat on the day of final harvest. (Carney, 2024)

Don Schwager quotes “The Lord sows good seeds in our heart,” by Chromatius (died 406 AD).

"The Lord clearly points out that he is the sower of good seeds. He does not cease to sow in this world as in a field. God's word is like good seed in the hearts of people, so that each of us according to the seeds sown in us by God may bear spiritual and heavenly fruit." (excerpt from TRACTATE ON MATTHEW 51.1)

[Note: Chromatius was an early Christian scholar and bishop of Aquileia, Italy. He was a close friend of John Chrysostom and Jerome. He died in 406 AD. Jerome described him as a "most learned and most holy man."] (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 13:24-30 asks why would a landowner hesitate to remove harmful weeds from his field? But if Jesus meant for the landowner to represent God, maybe we can learn something about the way our heavenly Father looks at us and at the growth of his kingdom.

Our God is merciful. Our God is patient. Our God is just. Let’s praise him for his care for us!

“Father, thank you for the way you manage the ‘field’ of your kingdom.” (Meditation on Matthew 13:24-30, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler notes that Jeremiah speaks about the holiness of the Temple and contrasts it with the oppression of aliens and neglect of widows and orphans. Our worship is not a superstitious act but an expression of who we are and who we want to be. Friar Jude reminds us of the very strong theme of a final accounting in Matthew and our need to do the best we can and it will all be sorted out in the end.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces authors Thomas Bien and Beverly Bien who approach recovery through an ongoing, mindful approach.

Remember that mindfulness is “choiceless awareness”; that is, it is the willingness to be present with whatever is going on. This includes being willing to become aware of your forgetfulness and to return again to mindfulness. If you become self-critical or frustrated, you have become too goal oriented about your spiritual practice. Relax. Use humor. Smile. Tune into the fun…. Isn’t it funny that, if we struggle too hard, we get caught in the very net of suffering we want to escape?… 

Make patience and self-acceptance your main practice. And one day you will realize you have changed. You will see that you have become a more mindful person. You get there, not by trying all at once to attain some perfection, but just by the simple daily things…. You get there one mindful breath at a time. (Rohr, n.d.)

As we grow and mature we become more aware of the wheat and weeds in our field and we are grateful for the love, patience, and mercy of our companions on the journey as we seek transformation as followers of Christ.

References

Carney, J. (2024, July 27). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved July 27, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/072724.html 

Jeremiah, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 27, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/jeremiah/7?1 

Matthew, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 27, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/13? 

Meditation on Matthew 13:24-30. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved July 27, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/07/27/1033707/ 

Psalms, PSALM 84 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 27, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/84?3 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Breathing Under Water, Week Two: Weekly Summary. Retrieved July 27, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/breathing-under-water-week-two-weekly-summary/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved July 27, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=jul27 

Disciples with Courage

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today remind us that Jesus points to the Holy Spirit wherein we can receive peace and courage as we journey.

Courage in the Spirit

The reading from the Acts of the Apostles describes Paul in Ephesus.

* [19:1–6] Upon his arrival in Ephesus, Paul discovers other people at the same religious stage as Apollos, though they seem to have considered themselves followers of Christ, not of the Baptist. On the relation between baptism and the reception of the Spirit, see note on Acts 8:16. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 19, n.d.)

Psalm 68 offers Praise and Thanksgiving.

* [68:2] The opening line alluding to Nm 10:35 makes clear that God’s assistance in the period of the exodus and conquest is the model and assurance of all future divine help.

* [68:5] Exalt the rider of the clouds: God’s intervention is in the imagery of Canaanite myth in which the storm-god mounted the storm clouds to ride to battle. Such theophanies occur throughout the Psalm: Ps 68:2–3, 8–10, 12–15, 18–19, 22–24, 29–32, 34–35. See Dt 33:26; Ps 18:8–16; Is 19:1.

* [68:7] While rebels live in the desert: rebels must live in the arid desert, whereas God’s people will live in the well-watered land (Ps 68:8–11). (Psalms, PSALM 68, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus tells of Departure and Coming of the Advocate “But take courage; I have conquered the world!’”

* [16:30] The reference is seemingly to the fact that Jesus could anticipate their question in Jn 16:19. The disciples naively think they have the full understanding that is the climax of “the hour” of Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension (Jn 16:25), but the only part of the hour that is at hand for them is their share in the passion (Jn 16:32).

* [16:32] You will be scattered: cf. Mk 14:27 and Mt 26:31, where both cite Zec 13:7 about the sheep being dispersed. (John, CHAPTER 16, n.d.)

Eileen Burke-Sullivan (2013) comments that what must have made Paul convincing was his compassionate concern for these followers of John the Baptist.  We get so little “back story,” to this event,  so we wonder: what made them listen to him?  What made them TRUST them?   It was the Spirit of God in him of course – but how did they recognize it?  The same way that the Spirit operated in Jesus – it comes forth as loving care that is irresistible, in authentic practice of whatever we preach.  If we want people to hear our new evangelization message, we have to be renewed in the Spirit.

Come, O Spirit of Love – you who are speaker of truth, who comforts the afflicted, brings light to blindness, courage in our fear, and liberation from our various imprisonments COME to US.  Fill our lives with the wisdom, with faith in God’s plan for our world, with hope in the face of despair, with love when we are confronted with violence and apathy, Come, O Spirit of Love, come to me that I might witness to the Truth of You.  Amen. (Burke, 2023)

Don Schwager quotes “In Christ we have peace,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"When [Jesus] says, 'These things have I spoken to you, that in me you might have peace,' he refers not only to what he has just said but also to what he had said all along, either from the time that he first had disciples, or since the supper, when he began this long and wonderful discourse... He declares this to be the object of his whole discourse, that is, that in him they might have peace. And this peace will have no end but is itself the end of every godly action and intention." (excerpt from TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 104.1.15) (Schwager, 2019)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 16:29-33 comments that Jesus tells his disciples that he is “leaving the world and going back to the Father” (John 16:28). Jesus didn’t say this to incite fear in them but to give them courage. All the events that threatened to steal their peace were, in the end, enfolded into God’s plan. Jesus would soon be with his Father, and they would soon see him risen in glory. This promise is true for us as well. We may face troubles in this world, but Jesus is still with us; he is still looking out for us. He has “conquered the world” (16:33)!

Peace. It comes from knowing that we can trust in Jesus, the One who has conquered the world. He will always be with us and will always take care of us. In him, we can find the peace that cannot be shaken!

“Jesus, help me have peace in you, no matter what happens today.” (Meditation on John 16:29-33, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler contrasts the baptism of John the Baptism with the Baptism with the Holy Spirit as Paul expressed to the Ephesians. The glossolalia or unintelligible utterance from people filled with the Spirit is not the speaking of the Apostles at Pentecost. Friar Jude notes that Jesus is preparing the disciples for the Hour of Glory that John shares as Jesus' love is proclaimed on the Cross.

James Finley, CAC teacher and psychotherapist, describes basic signs of one widespread form of depression. Author Diana Gruver describes her felt experience of depression and return to well-being.

Diagnostic guidelines cannot describe the sensation that your heart has stopped beating, has been torn from your chest, while your body continues to move mechanically, numb, without its lifeblood. I am a puppet. I am a ghost. I float invisible, unfeeling, watching the alive ones laugh and love. No mere definition can explain that feeling of emptiness, of isolation, of vacant pain…. 

I survived. With the help of therapy, medication, a good support system, and God’s grace, the light slowly dawned. Life gradually became easier, the days less daunting. My mind could focus and process once again. I could turn loving attention on other people. Sleep was no longer elusive. The sensation of joy once again took up residence in my heart.  

I felt like one of the lucky ones—like I had barely survived my brush with depression’s darkness. I was thankful to be alive, returned once again to the sun. [3] (Finley, 2023)

We are encouraged by the Spirit to use our gifts as we are transformed with the love and courage to live as disciples of Christ.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 19. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved May 22, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/19?1 

Burke, E. (2023, May 22). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved May 22, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/052223.html 

Finley, J. (2023, May 22). Recognizing the Signs — Center for Action and Contemplation. Daily Meditations Archive: 2023. Retrieved May 22, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/recognizing-the-signs-2023-05-22/ 

John, CHAPTER 16. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved May 22, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/16? 

Meditation on John 16:29-33. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved May 22, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/05/22/687249/ 

Psalms, PSALM 68. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved May 22, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/68?2 

Schwager, D. (2019, May 7). Peace in Overcoming the World. Daily Scripture net. Retrieved May 22, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=may22