Advent Daily Reflections Header

 



Memorial of Saint Francis Xavier

Readings of the Day
[link removed]

The eyes, as the old saying goes, are the windows to the soul. But if
they truly are windows, they also enable us to look outwards, to see
the light.

This powerful symbolism is a recurring theme in Scripture; from the
psalmist who asks God to open his eyes to see clearly, to Christ
Himself, who teaches in the Gospel of Matthew that the eye is the lamp
of the body.
[link removed]
[link removed]

In today's Gospel, Jesus gives sight to two blind men who follow
him, begging to be healed. This is one of three times in the gospels
that Christ heals the blind, and unlike mere symbolism of blindness
and sight, Christ's miracles are literal, physical acts,
fulfilling the words of the prophet Isaiah, who declares in
today's first reading that "the eyes of the blind shall
see."

Yet even as He demonstrates the power of God, Jesus makes clear that
it is the blind men's own faith that has cured them!

When we allow ourselves to get wrapped up in the troubles of the day,
we limit our faith, our hope, and our love for Jesus Christ. If we
choose to see only with the eyes of the flesh, we blind ourselves, and
in turn, we cannot share Christ's saving light, nor see Him in
those that we serve.

So what will we choose: to huddle in darkness behind a curtain of
worldly cares, or to let in the Light through the windows to our
souls?

Let it be done to us according to our faith!

Timothy P. Williams is National Formation Director for the Society of
St. Vincent de Paul.




View this message in your browser. 
[link removed]

Forward this message.
Update your email preferences.
[link removed]
[link removed]