Reflection:

It’s no coincidence that Mark situates the healing of the blind man at Bethsaida right before the clearest declaration of Jesus’ identity by one of his followers yet.

Out of blindness comes sight. This is a climactic moment when Peter, who very often fails to see and understand who Jesus is, has a moment of clarity. “You are the Messiah”, the Promised One. The one we have been waiting for.

Right after this, Jesus starts to say that he must suffer and die, something incomprehensible to those who think of the Messiah as a conqueror who will defeat Israel’s enemies in the most dramatic fashion. A suffering servant Messiah is incomprehensible to them. But from here on in the gospel, Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem where he knows his mission will be fulfilled. His commitment to sacrificial service in order to save, is absolute, and he won’t be distracted.

Who do you know who needs the gift of ‘eyes to see and ears to hear’ – the truth about Jesus?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, give me eyes to see and ears to hear and understand your saving love for all people. Through your Spirit, help me grow in my understanding of you each day. Amen.