So Ananias went and entered the house; laying his hands on him, he said, “Saul, my brother, the Lord has sent me, Jesus who appeared to you on the way by which you came, that you may regain your sight and be filled with the holy Spirit.”
Immediately things like scales fell from his eyes and he regained his sight. He got up and was baptized, and when he had eaten, he recovered his strength. (Acts 9:17-19 NABRE)
I'm sure much has been said over the years about this experience of Saul, his blindness and the restoration of his sight. And I'm sure the impact of losing one's sight is not lost on anyone. However, I'm not so sure we recognize spiritual blindness as readily, though it is far more limiting. Physical blindness only affects us during this life. Spiritual blindness harms us for eternity.
Lord Jesus, speak to the hearts of those who are blind to your truth. As you did for Saul, open their eyes to see! Show them that the signs you left us with are at least enough to step toward you in faith. And when they do take that one first step, show them the personal confirmation you so willingly promise. Lord Jesus, allow them reasons to want to step toward you, so that your quiet voice can be heard. And let their first hesitating steps grow into a march characterized by confidence and certainty. Holy Spirit, come to our aid. Heal our pain. Limit our suffering for long enough that we might stop resisting your company in our hearts. Shower your gifts upon each of us so that we might always continue to grow in them, bringing forth fruit into our world each day.
Today, on this third Friday of the Easter Season, I will pray for all who have not yet had their spiritual sight restored by the Lord, that they might in God's time come to know the truth of Jesus.
Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen, whose prayer against apathy and concern for the poor and weak make you a saint whose example is still valuable today, pray for us.
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