To you, Lord, I will offer a sacrifice of praise. — Psalm 116:17 

Mass Readings: Genesis 8:6-13,20-22 / Mark 8:22-26 

Progressive Sight 

Jesus healed many blind people but today’s Gospel records an unusual two-stage healing. When Jesus touched the blind man’s eyes, the man was able to see, but dimly; only when Jesus touched his eyes again was the man was able to see properly. “Was blind, but now I see,” wrote John Newton, in his well-loved hymn “Amazing Grace.” But Newton himself did not “see” all at once. When he composed this hymn, some time after his conversion to Christianity, he was still engaged in slave trading! It took time before Newton discerned the sinfulness of slavery and renounced it. 

Spiritual insight is progressive. Some see more, and sooner, than others; but all of us are called to a lifelong process of sharpening our spiritual sight and gaining fresh insights into the ways of God. 

Prayer: Lord, help me to see You more clearly, and follow You more closely, each day.