Seeing Clearly

The Pharisees came and began to argue with Jesus, asking him for a sign from heaven, to test him. And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.” And he left them, and getting into the boat again, he went across to the other side. Now the disciples had forgotten to bring any bread; and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. And he cautioned them, saying, “Watch out—beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.” They said to one another, “It is because we have no bread.” And becoming aware of it, Jesus said to them, “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes, and fail to see? Do you have ears, and fail to hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?” They said to him, “Twelve.” “And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?” And they said to him, “Seven.” Then he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?” They came to Bethsaida. Some people brought a blind man to him and begged him to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village; and when he had put saliva on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Can you see anything?” And the man looked up and said, “I can see people, but they look like trees, walking.” Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he looked intently and his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. Then he sent him away to his home, saying, “Do not even go into the village.” Mark 8:11-26

It's a beautiful thing to see clearly. I didn't need glasses until after my first year of college. Several siblings needed glasses when they were very young. It is a real joy to put on new glasses and see definition where there was none before. We can struggle to see clearly with our faith as well. Sometimes we need an adjustment, a new perspective, to realize all the abundance and care we have from God. Even the disciples, having witnessed the miracles at close range, still didn't trust God's abundance. May we be willing to trust God will all our needs today.

Creator of abundance, author of insight

you have fed us well over and over

yet we fear the worst and hoard our food

help us to see clearly your generosity.

We can be fearful and blind to you

yet you never turn way from miracles

you hear our cries in the darkest night

and relieve our suffering and stumbling.

Guide us, good Lord, to your arms of grace

let us walk by faith, day and night

help us to see clearly your love before us

make us faithful and grateful today. Amen.