Happy 16th Birthday Catherine Therese!!

Posted by on
Although you'll never read this my sweet Catherine, I love you. 16 years ago you changed our life forever. All of your siblings have done this in their own way but you have done so in a very special way. You have made me more empathetic, compassionate, and much more prayerful. Your smile lights up the world around you and we are all blessed by it.  It's not easy living with a saint. You remind me of my weakness and limited time on this earth. You challenge me to go deeper within myself and find what the Lord is trying to teach me...usually patience. You are made in His image and likeness but He uses you so that I can see my own beauty, goodness, and shortcomings.  You struggle mightily against me with every bath, diaper change, and wardrobe change. I struggle mightily with Him against all the changes He wills in my life. You depend on me and your mom for even the simplest of things. You teach me to depend on Him for everything and not rely on my on strength. You teach me that I
0

How Jesus Cares for Our Blindness

Posted by on

Matthew 9:27-31

As I watched the events of today's  Gospel unfold, I was struck by something I'd not seen Jesus do before.  Many folks had approached Him before asking for healing.  They too approached Him boldly, in the open, though some had "stolen" a touch or sought Him under cover of darkness.  When they asked for healing for themselves or others, He had given it almost instantly.

However, today, He did something different.  These blind men cried out to Him and He continued on as though He didn't hear them until He entered the house.  Only then did He address them.  Why did He not turn to them while they were still out in the open?  Why did He not ask them His questions while they were still out in the sun and beneath a brilliant blue sky?

Then I thought, how painful it is when I awake and the morning sun is streaming directly into my window.  Or, how long it take my eyes to adjust to the full summer light when I emerge from my dark basement or into the bright daylight from a darkened movie theater.

Was Jesus concerned about how their eyes would adjust to the "new" light they were about to receive?  Did He want to give them some sort of shelter that would allow their eyes time to learn to see again and not be instantly "blinded" by the intense rays of the sun (Son)?

Dear Lord, during this time of Advent, please reveal to me the areas of my life where I am blind.  Lead me to the house (real or spiritual) that I need to be in so that you may heal me.  Help me to overcome my fear of following you into that home and simply trust that you want to heal me.

Lord, you know that my ears need healing, that I have struggled with this for years.  I feel that you are leading me to a house of cleaner living (physical and spiritual).  Give me the grace I need to follow you and please don't ask me to keep my healing quite.  I'm not sure I could manage that either ;-)

FROM THE SAINTS - "There is no better way to thank God for your sight than by giving a helping hand to someone in the dark." - Helen Keller


My new book of poetry, The Last Dragon and Other Poems is available now.
 
Click here to read more from James M. Hahn - Blog - Books - Fiction

Check out his ongoing memoir about life with his special-needs daughter.

Our Giant Wall Rosaries are a perfect addition to your prayer corner, chapel, or classroom.

Your support is greatly appreciated and any gift is welcome. I'll be sure to add you to my prayer list and let you know when new books, series, and deals are available.  Thank you!


God bless you - Jim Hahn


* Contains affiliate links. No, that doesn't mean that the kids should leave the room. Rather, it means that if you click on a link, and if you purchase something, I may get some financial remuneration for that click and buy. All that means is that my kids will finally get to eat, just kidding but I may get something, just so you know...

Comments

Post a Comment