BEAUTIFUL SUMMONS
“…their wickedness blinded them.” – Wisdom 2:21
Both spiritual and actual, physical blindness are themes heavily present throughout the bible. Though today’s first reading refers to the former, I can’t help but relate it to the latter. There is an instance in Jesus’ ministry where He heals a blind man at Bethsaida. During this encounter, we read a step-by-step process of what the blind man’s healing entails. Specifically, Jesus, “took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the village” in order to heal him.
Earlier this week, I had a phone conversation that didn’t play out as I had originally intended. I found myself venting in a way that wasn’t constructive or life-giving. Afterward, I lamented to the Lord, grieving the fact that I had left Him out of the conversation, as if I had checked Him at the door, the way one would a coat at a party.
Lovingly, I felt the Lord reveal to my heart, that I could not get rid of Him so easily. That He was, in fact, present during the conversation, so engrained into my very heart, is He. However, I was standing in front of Him, blocking others’ view of Him. In short, I was not recognizing His hand grasping for me, ready to lead. He was available to offer healing to a situation, and my momentary “wickedness” was blinding me from seeing His outstretched hand.
The mystery of our Lord’s desire to lead us is that He, too, will never do it by checking us at the door or without our volition. He will not use us as lifeless, uncooperative puppets, but rather invite us to be willing participants, following his lead. Holy Spirit, help us to open our eyes to this beautiful summons.
In what direction is the Lord leading you today? What kind of healing is he offering you or those you encounter? Are you a willing participant?
Patty Hussey