Like most things in 2020, this will be an Advent unlike any other. But each day, you can still take a few minutes to reflect on the coming of our savior at Christmas with short reflections on Scripture, written by the staff of America Media.
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A reading from the Gospel of Matthew:
As Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying out,
“Son of David, have pity on us!”
When he entered the house,
the blind men approached him and Jesus said to them,
“Do you believe that I can do this?”
“Yes, Lord,” they said to him.
Then he touched their eyes and said,
“Let it be done for you according to your faith.”
And their eyes were opened.
Jesus warned them sternly,
“See that no one knows about this.”
But they went out and spread word of him through all that land.
Reflection
This time of year we all feel the loss of light. The days keep growing shorter and sometimes the sun doesn’t show up at all. An afternoon of sunshine feels like a blessing, even on the coldest of days.
We all know the sun will return. After Christmas, the days will start to grow longer, and by the time we begin Lent, spring will be just around the corner.
But that feels like a long time away now. Especially this winter, we may wonder if the light will ever return. We all need to hear today’s words from Isaiah: “Out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see.”
Here what the prophet is promising is much more than the return of spring. He is offering us the vision that comes with faith. Few of us know what it’s like to be blind. But we do know what it’s like to walk through our lives blind to the love that surrounds us, or to the grace that God has given us—until there is a moment that jolts us, and that love and grace is plain for us to see.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus heals two blind men who believed in him. They saw with the eyes of faith and they were healed. This Advent, we pray that we too may see with the eyes of faith, even when the days are dark. For we know the light will return, and with it the promise of a new life in his love.
Pray
- Where can I see love and grace around me, even amidst the darkness of winter? Where do I need the light of God most this Advent season? How can I take your time to live out my faith?
- How can I be a light for others this Advent season? Do I believe Jesus can heal me from my blindness? What can I do to maintain hope in my life?
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