< <  

Friday, December 3, 2004

  > >

St. Francis Xavier


Isaiah 29:17-24
Psalm 27
Matthew 9:27-31

View Readings
Similar Reflections

a seeing-eye christmas

"Out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see." —Isaiah 29:18

The Lord wants to give us a miracle for Christmas. He wants to give sight to the blind (Lk 4:18). Yet most people won't admit they need sight because they are blind to being blind. Nevertheless, many have been spiritually blinded by the darkness of our times (1 Jn 2:11). Therefore, the recovery of our sight is a most needed Christmas gift.

If you're willing to admit the possibility of spiritual blindness, cry out to the Lord: "Son of David, have pity" on me! (Mt 9:27) Persevere in this prayer, even if it seems nothing is happening at first. Eventually, Jesus will challenge you to grow in faith by questioning you: "Are you confident I can do this?" (Mt 9:28) By God's grace, respond: "Yes, Lord" (Mt 9:28). Then Jesus will touch your eyes. First you will see your blindness as never before. Then you will see the Lord, and in His light, you see light (Ps 36:10).

Prayer:  Lord, "I want to see" (Mk 10:51) for Christmas.

Promise:  "The lowly will ever find joy in the Lord, and the poor rejoice in the Holy One of Israel." —Is 29:19

Praise:  St. Francis preached Christianity by setting truth to popular tunes to better reach the people.

Reference:  (To see His light, read His book, the Bible, every day. We have several tape series that may help you. Overview of the Bible is six audio tapes starting with AV 10A-1 or three video tapes starting with V-10A. 15-minute Bible Teaching - New Testament is forty audio tapes starting with #700. An Introduction to each Book of the Bible is thirty-two audio tapes starting with AV 21-1 or seventeen video tapes starting with V-21.)

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Richard Walling, July 7, 2004


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 19, 2004