PATIENCE IN OUR SPIRITUAL PROGRESS - 02/15/23 (Wednesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time)

Mark 8:23–24

And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the village; and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands upon him, he asked him, “Do you see anything?” And he looked up and said, “I see men; but they look like trees, walking.”

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021523.cfm

Blessed Wednesday! When Jesus came to Bethsaida, there were people who brought to Him a blind man. Then, He led him out of the village and healed him. However, unlike with other healings, it did not happen fully and immediately. It only took place gradually. As we see in the gospel reading, the blind man saw men, but they still looked like trees in his sight. It was on the second attempt that the man was fully cured from his blindness. Why is this case different from others? One reason is faith. For sure, the blind man had faith in Christ, but his faith could not be as pure as other people whom Jesus also healed. It may be that the blind man had some doubts whether he would be healed. Another reason why this could also be the case was with his village, Bethsaida. In another passage such as Matthew 11:21, Jesus condemned this town because of their lack of faith in Him and unwillingness to repent. It could be that the blind man was influenced a little bit by the sins of other people which led to him only being gradually healed by our Lord. How does this apply to us? The physical healings of Christ also point us to the reality of our need for spiritual healing. We have spiritual illnesses because of our sins, and we may have spiritual blindness during the times that we are unable to see what is right and pleasing in God. 

It's true that when we have given ourselves to God, receive the sacraments and persevere in prayer, we may see some spiritual progress. However, it may be the case that our spiritual progress takes place gradually. This pertains to the times when we see how difficult it is to persevere in virtues and to reject temptations. It's important for us to reflect on whether there are aspects in our lives where we are still influenced by temptations around us or by people who may be living a sinful lifestyle. We can also reflect on how our sins in the past may be a factor as to why we are making little progress. Through a prayerful reflection, we can listen to the voice of God and know what we should do about such obstacles. After the blind man was healed, he was told by Christ to not go back to the village. Likewise, we should be firm in not going back to our sinful past and be firm in prioritizing God over our families and friends, especially those who influence us to commit sin. This doesn't mean that we will not love them, but it simply means that we will not support them when they speak of sins, we will be firm in defending what is right, we will avoid having fun when others speak of sinful things, and we will be charitable with them always. Lastly, may we also remember to be patient with ourselves and not complain when we don't make that much progress in spiritual life. The blind man was simply honest in telling about his sight without being angry with himself or with Jesus as to why he's not yet fully healed. What matters more is not necessarily the length of our journey with Christ but that we will see Him in His glory at the end of our lives and love Him for eternity as long as we are humble. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth