In Sight or Insight?: 25 October 2009

Upon awakening few mornings ago and looking out the window I was hard pressed to see our neighbor’s house through the thick fog. Since we don’t live in the city, the neighbors houses aren't only a few feet away from ours, but there is such an uncomfortable feeling of being so isolated when I can’t see their house or the woods that grace our property or even the road as has happened on occasion. It’s glorious and pure gift to see all the beauty that surrounds us on a clear day, especially this time of year. Last week on a drive to a friend’s house I spotted an eagle’s nest. I pondered its location high up in a tree and thought about what a marvelous view there must be from that vantage point. Just imagine how far and how much one could see from way up there!

Those of us who don’t see well can feel isolated and uncomfortably dependent on others when poor eyesight strips away at our independence in the form of no longer being able to drive safely. We may take our ability to see for granted but it is a huge blessing and it’s comforting to know we have the capability to navigate our way by sight.

Bartimaeus knew well the physical and social distress of blindness. Destined to life as a roadside beggar he was seen as an outcast – one who did not merit the common decency of kindness when he called out to Jesus as he and his disciples were passing by. The gospel says “many rebuked him”. Rebuked – reprimanded, scolded, admonished, chided, ridiculed – when he was merely asking for pity; for someone, anyone, Jesus to notice him and his plight. His only request: “I want to see”. We know from the gospel Jesus healed Bartimaeus’ blindness (Mark 10:46-52) and forever changed the life of the man once born blind.

What is it we want to see? Here’s what I want to see: A society where children are not abducted or are horribly abused but are safe and cared for and loved, where jokes about people of different ethnicity's cease, where workers are paid a just wage for a good day’s work, where people drive like they own the car not the road, where each of us is respected as equals. I want to see a world without war, discrimination, and terrorism and a world where women are valued members of society. I want to see (and breathe) clean air. I want to see a prime time television show that is not filled with violence, sexual innuendos or “reality” that really isn’t reality for most of us. I want to see politicians and leaders of nations, states, cities and yes, even some churches, cease to use power and control as their governing agenda. Will I ever see all this? Probably not but…I truly believe if we sincerely strive to live as people wonderfully and blessedly made image of our Sacred Creator, we will have a good chance of being able to see beautiful things all around us…maybe clearly for the very first time.

Peace on the Journey.