Let Me See Again

Then Jesus took the twelve aside and said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. For he will be handed over to the Gentiles; and he will be mocked and insulted and spat upon. After they have flogged him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise again.” But they understood nothing about all these things; in fact, what he said was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said. As he approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard a crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” Then he shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Those who were in front sternly ordered him to be quiet; but he shouted even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stood still and ordered the man to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me see again.” Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, praised God. Luke 18:31-43

Healing may seem like a guaranteed outcome in our present day. But even in the here and now, healing comes at a great cost and is never a guarantee. I can attest to that. I spent a great deal of time, while in the hospital, praying the Jesus prayer, "Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me a sinner." My trust in God never wavered. Our overloaded and understaffed health care system did make me wonder whether I would survive and return home. I was reminded, again and again, of the blind man in this story, who would not be silenced, and others throughout the Gospels who persisted and sought out Jesus. May we persist in seeking God's healing on our lives.

Gracious Creator, who find us in the crowd

who brings sight to those who are blind

light to those who suffer in great darkness

and hope to those who are feeling lost.

Draw near to us in this time of turning

as we prepare for a time of waiting

let us be filled with joyful anticipation

trusting that you hear our cries in the dark.

Take our hands and make them yours

let our hearts be softened by your love

let our spirits be renewed as we serve

make us persist and persevere for your love's sake. Amen.