Word to the Wise
Friday, December 3, 2010 - St. Francis Xavier, S.J., Missionary
[Isaiah 29:17-24 and Matthew 9:27-31]On that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book; and out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see. [Isaiah]<br /> "Do you believe that I can do this?" "Yes, Lord," they said to him. Then he touched their eyes and said, "Let it be done for you according to your faith." And their eyes were opened.
Light and darkness, sound and silence.....the prophet Isaiah provides a long list of sharply contrasting conditions to illustrate the impact of the Day of the Lord. Can we imagine the world of the deaf person or the blind person? The season in which we are now being immersed on a commercial level is all about seeing and hearing! The season of Advent, however, is about hoping and caring! It is true that sights and sounds can be accessible in many ways to those who suffer deafness and blindness, but all of us are in need of hope and care.
Jesus sees the hope in the blind men who approach him. He is also aware that those who were observing him would be aware of the words of Isaiah and in some limited way realize that the day of the Lord was right in front of them. All of us need our eyes and ears opened to the kingdom. This is especially true at this time of year when a secular commerical model blinds with its tinsel and deafens with its loud exhortation to buy!
Hope extends beyond Christmas Day and care enables us to live another year. The words of hope from the scriptures and the hand of healing are our best guide through this season. They will touch everyone, including the blind and deaf. AMEN