1st Week of Advent 2020 - Friday - Out of the gloom and darkness, the blind will see

 

During the Advent Season daylight is seen less and less, the darkness comes earlier. Remember back in summer—the long wonderful days of summer, sunlight until 9pm?

As the physical world gets darker and darker as we near Christmas, the theme of light emits from our scripture readings, we hear about God’s promises of light. “Out of the gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind will see” Isaiah promises from our first reading. Isaiah accurately describes the spiritual situation of Ancient Israel—exiled, captive, the presence of God hidden from them. Isaiah also describes the spiritual state of mankind—exiled from God, captive by sin, the presence of God hidden by our earthly suffering, our incredulity, and our self-centeredness. 

Without God humanity walks in blindness. 

To not have the light of God in one’s life is far worse than being physically blind.  In every dimension of society men and women going through life, raising their families, as if God did not exist.  They do not know his promises, they do not recognize his presence, they do not walk in his truth. 

Spiritual blindness is truly an epidemic—its symptoms are the erosion of the moral fabric of families and cultures, the corruption of children, the neglect of the poor among us.

It is no coincidence that in the Gospels, one of Jesus’ most oft repeated miracles was the healing of the blind.  For his mission is to bring spiritual sight and light, he is the fulfillment of Isaiah’s promises. 

The blind men in the Gospel cry out to Jesus, “Son of David, have pity on us”. They recognize Jesus as heir to the throne of David, they recognized him as the Messiah, they recognized their blindness and their need for healing, and that they cannot heal themselves. 

The blind men are in a sort, good examples of Advent faith for all of us. We consider the identity of Our Lord as Son of David, and how he and only he can heal us, and save us.

We cry out with them, “have pity on us.”  Bring us light, bring us healing, “come, that we may see you”. Give us the purity of heart that allows us to see you. Give us the faith that helps us detect you in the chaos and suffering of the world. Scatter the gloom and darkness of our lives, that we may bear the light of Christ to all we meet, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

- - - - - - - - - 

We raise up our prayers of petitions, as we await with longing the Advent of Christ the Lord.

That through the courageous witness of the Christian Church, the Lord will restore spiritual sight to the inwardly blind, that we may be attentive to the will of God and the needs of the poor.

That world leaders may look upon the Son of God, believe in him, and seek the peace and justice that only he can bring.

That Christ may heal every disease, drive out hunger, ward off every affliction, and bring peace to the suffering.

For the deceased of our parish, family and friends, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.

Almighty ever-living God, you bring salvation to all and desire that no one should perish, hear the prayers of your people and grant that the course of our world may be directed by your peaceful rule and your Church may rejoice in tranquility and devotion. Through Christ our Lord.