A blind man is led to Jesus.
He stands in silent darkness.
The crowds beg Jesus to touch him.
They have seen the power of His miracles
and they come to Him with faith.
Jesus decides not to touch the blind man’s eyes
for an immediate healing.
Jesus touches his hand instead.
"He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village" (Mark 8:23).
The hand that will be pierced with the nails
holds a hand that has felt its way through the darkness.
Come, follow Me.
I will lead you.
Trust Me.
I am here with you.
Let us walk together.
You are safe.
The blind man surrenders to Christ’s guidance.
They walk into the unknown.
They are present to each other.
"Putting spittle on his eyes he laid his hands on the man and asked, ‘Do you see anything?’" (Mark 8:23)
In a blurry fog, the man looks up at Jesus.
He cannot see clearly.
There’s a tinge of disappointment and confusion.
Why hasn’t Jesus healed him?
Why is his healing incomplete?
But Jesus is not finished.
This healing requires two touches.
This healing takes time.
Christ’s power is working slowly.
Jesus touches him again.
Sight comes into focus with pristine clarity.
And the blind man is no longer blind.
Restoration.
Their eyes lock in silent gratitude.
The man gazes upon the face of his healer.
He never forgets that look of love.
He has encountered Jesus.
He sees God.
This same Jesus desires to encounter you. Your healing might take time. Perhaps your healing needs more than one touch. Today, will you let Him lead you by the hand?
This stirring chant of "Tantum Ergo" provides accompanying translation. Do you know the lyrics written by Saint Thomas Aquinas?
Rose Coleman is a contemplative in action who delights in all things beautiful. Her adventurous heart has traveled many places—from circumnavigating the globe on a ship during college to some years in the convent as a religious sister. Exuberant from her childhood, she is an elementary school teacher who learns so much from her students. You can find out more about her here. She is the author of our Blessed Conversations: Ways to Pray study found here.
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