Learning to See Clearly

Wednesday, March 29, 2006 -- Week of 4 Lent (John Keble)

Morning Prayer begins on p. 80 of the Book of Common Prayer
Evening Prayer begins on p. 117

An online resource for praying the Daily Office is found at www.missionstclare.com
Another form of the office from Phyllis Tickle's "Divine Hours" is available on our partner web site www.ExploreFaith.org at this link -- http://explorefaith.org/prayer/fixed/index.html

Today's Readings for the Daily Office (p. 955)
Psalms 101, 109:1-4(5-19)20-30 // 119:121-144
Genesis 50:15-26
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
Mark 8:11-26


Learning to See Clearly

Over and over in Mark's gospel, the disciples just don't get it. They've seen the two feedings of the multitudes -- one among 5,000 Jewish listeners, the other with 4,000 Gentiles. But still they are anxious about their needs. There is not enough bread for everyone, they worry. Jesus asks them, "Do you not yet understand?"

Back in Peter's village of Bethsaida, there is a blind man. He really can't see. So Jesus takes him aside and performs a healing ritual. There is progress. "I can see people, but they look like trees, walking." But his vision is incomplete. So Jesus gives him a second touch, laying his hands on the man's eyes again. Now he can see everything clearly.

What is the meaning of this multi-stage healing? Maybe the message is that though Jesus is misunderstood during his lifetime, after his resurrection his disciples will see more clearly. Maybe it is a metaphor for the process of growth and healing. We tend to understand things in stages. There are moments of illumination, but they always seem partial. Even when we have sufficient understanding to live in grace, our eyes need a lifetime of adjustment to open even partially to the dazzling darkness of Mystery Itself.

"And help us this and every day,
to live more nearly as we pray." John Keble