Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Choosing to See

“Master, I want to see!” The words of the man born blind really speak to me these days. There is so much that I would like to see, that I want to see. For me, to see is also to understand. And there is so much that I would like to understand, perhaps to see in new ways. If Jesus were to say to me, “What  do  you want me to do for you?” I’d have infinite lists of things that I would like to see differently.

I’d like to understand why racism persists, why so much of the language we use today is divisive and makes us choose sides, why basic needs for food, shelter, and healthcare are refused to anyone, why we don’t have equal rights for everyone. My list is long!

Seeing changes us. Sometimes I find myself saying, “Oh, Jesus, don’t let me see another thing that needs to be done, that needs attention.” The next thing that happens is that I say is “Why doesn’t anyone else see this and take care of it?”

Am I really wishing to be blind to all of that? Maybe I am like the crowds who told Bartimaeus to just be quiet, to remain silent. Stay out of it and just be quiet! Is it really better to not see?

And then a co-worker puts a magnet on my door that says, “Do not be afraid. Speak loudly. Use your voice.” And that changes everything! That which has been in darkness needs to be brought into the light. What wasn’t seen needs our sight, our vision, and OUR VOICE so that new life, joy, and healing can come to all of God’s people.

I pray this week that God will use my weakness and strengthen me for the journey. I pray that God uses my vulnerability to serve in new ways. Want to join me in that prayer?