Open our eyes, Lord
The story is told about a sign written over a basket of apples in a nursery school canteen which read: “Do not take more than one. God is watching.” On the other counter, there was a box of chocolates with a sign over it, written by a child, which read: “Take as many as you want. God is busy watching the apples!”
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In today’s Gospel (John 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38) Jesus heals a blind man, but He is “watched” by many. A simple case of healing leads to so many questions and complications because of laws, rules, and traditions. We miss what is essential or important many times because we get so engrossed with the externals and nonessentials.
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“One thing I do know is that I was blind and now I see.” This was the simple answer of the healed blind man to the various questions of the Pharisees in connection with the circumstances of his healing. What mattered for him was that he was healed. The circumstances of his healing, who healed him and how he was healed were all secondary for him.
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For those who are burdened with so many issues in life, let me share with you the meaning of faith, (as shared with me by my friend Benny, as shared to him by another priest): Forward—All—Issues—To—Him! Yes, let us be set free from useless worries, fears, hurts, pride, and anxieties by keeping our eyes on Him who alone can set us truly free.
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“Eyes on the ball.” This is one of the basic rules in tennis, or in any ball game for that matter. As we journey on, may we not be distracted by issues, nor be affected by what others are saying, so much so that we forget what is important and what God is saying.
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As we grow older, may we not become so complicated and adulterated in our views and in our way of doing things. May we not forget simplicity, common sense and spontaneity. Sure, there is work to be done, deadlines to be met, responsibilities to be performed, but let not these lead us to think we are some god, and indispensable at that.
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There are some people who are rigid and legalistic. Nothing wrong with them, except that they have the tendency to use the law as their defense against anything or anyone, to the point that they forget the human condition and human considerations. Such people are the ones who are blind, and who no longer see with the heart, because everything for them can and must be explained and quantified.
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In a trip to the Holy Land some years ago, we had a guide who was learned but very cold, and a driver who was very spontaneous and personal. The guide provided us with solid knowledge about the places we went to. We appreciated that, but sometimes he could be so passionate and would be talking above our heads. On the other hand, our driver entertained us, and made us feel at home and safe. May the Lord help us keep our head and our heart, on a healthy balance, as we go through life.
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“People don’t care how much you know as long as they know how much you care.” It is those acts of kindness and goodness, and not so much the words of wisdom or knowledge, that people will remember in the end. Words inspire, yes, but good deeds move people.
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Some years ago, an elderly lady attended my Good Friday recollection and told me how touched she was. No, not so much by the words that I have shared that morning, as because she saw me praying before the crucifix at the chapel long before the recollection began. For her, that simple, single act weighed more than the words I unloaded that morning. Yes, there’s more to life than law or words.
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In this season of Lent, let us open our eyes and be sensitive to the needs of our brothers and sisters who need our love. Remember, the biggest stumbling block to true loving is the I-Me-and-Myself. May the Lord help us to see beyond ourselves and to really reach out to others. To borrow the line of a song: “Hey, have you ever tried, really reaching out to the other side?” (“Make It With You” by Bread)
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A moment with the Lord:
Lord, open our eyes that we may truly see, and set us free. Amen.
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