Daily Gospel Reflection for February 15, 2017

Today's Gospel: Mark 8:22-26

Believing in Jesus’ healing touch, friends bring a blind man to Jesus. Did the man believe? Maybe he protested, “He’s not going to heal ME!” In an unexpected move, instead of healing the man on the spot, Jesus leads him out of the village, away from everyone else. This is Christ’s first touch. A get-you-alone touch.

Once Jesus said, “All things are possible to the one who believes.” The man had to believe in order to be healed. Jesus took him off by himself so that the man’s faith in Christ could develop in a silent, personal encounter with Christ.

For the second touch, Jesus puts saliva on the man’s eyes. This gentle cleansing effects a partial healing. The man needs a third, firmer touch. Jesus lays His hands on the man’s eyes. Now the man sees. Sometimes God has to touch us numerous times, in different ways, and with different intensities, before we spiritually see.

Jesus sends the man directly home, not into the village. Was Jesus avoiding stampeding crowds? Or did He want the man to reflect privately on his cure before telling others of it?

Are you the friends who are bringing to Christ someone who is spiritually blind? Do you believe that your faith can help your friend develop spiritual sight? To fully see, however, your friend herself has to be willing to believe. No one gets to heaven on another’s faith.

Do you need your spiritual eyesight restored? Do you have anyone to share with who might help? God is ready to give you full healing if you are ready to take it. However, healing may not come at the time or in the manner you expect. Let Jesus take your hand and lead you wherever He wants you to go.

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Ponder:

Where is your spiritual darkness? Do you believe that Jesus can heal you?

Pray:

Lord, I am spiritually blind. So are some of my loved ones. Open our eyes with your healing touch so that we may see and believe in You. Amen.

Madeline Pecora Nugent is a wife, mom and grandmom who is also a life pledged member of the Confraternity of Penitents. She has had published several books offered in the Confraternity of Penitents Holy Angels Gift Shop including ones on the Divine Office, poor prenatal diagnosis, problem pregnancy help, Saint Anthony, and Saint Clare.