Jesus heals a blind man at Bethsaida: Mark 8:22-30
Imaginative Contemplation
Jesus and his followers came to Bethsaida. Jesus was constantly on the move. How did the disciples feel as the journeys became longer and more demanding?
Some people brought to Jesus a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. How do I use my sense of touch to encourage others? Am I afraid to touch people?
How did the man’s friends react when Jesus spread spittle on the blind man’s eyes?
How did the blind man’s negativity affect him?
Enter into the scene
I had been concerned about my friend Silas for some time. He used to be such an out-going person, but over the years his sight has deteriorated and so has his attitude to life. He used to be so positive and cheerful, but now it is hard to get a smile from him. Cataracts can impair both bodily and spiritual sight.
I heard that the miracle-worker, Jesus, had arrived in Bethsaida, so I contacted another friend and suggested that we cajole Silas into meeting Jesus. We had quite an argument, but in the end, we succeeded. ‘You haven’t got anything to lose by coming to Jesus. If nothing happens, at least we have tried.’
We moved through the crowd until we were standing beside Jesus. He turned to look at us and smiled. That was a good sign. ‘OK, I’ll see to this,’ Jesus indicated to us, and led Silas away from the crowd. Would Silas have enough faith to trust Jesus? We prayed that he would cooperate. This case needed more than abstract words, and Jesus seemed to sense the need for something more. He spat on the man’s eyes. Simon jerked away, but Jesus calmed him, placing his hands on the closed wet eyes. ‘Can you see anything?’ Silas opened his eyes, peering in front of him. ‘Yes, I can see something, but not as I used to be able to see. I suppose this is better than nothing, but the people look like trees or something. It is not a perfect fit.’ Jesus took this negative reply calmly. ‘I’ll touch you again, and you try to look harder this time. Now what can you see?’ Jesus removed his hands from the man’s face and stepped back. A gasp of surprise came from the man. ‘I can see again! The sun still shines! Oh, thank you, Jesus! You really are a wonder-worker! I had heard about you, but I didn’t believe it. Now I do! Oh, thank you!’
There was more than one miracle here. Our friend Silas shed all his negativity and became the happy positive man we had always known.
For further reflection
Discuss with Jesus the following points:
When did I last help someone in need?
How do I deal with negativity in my own life, in those around me, in the media?
Do I try to see the whole situation before making judgements or decisions?
There is a blindness in our lives that we can do something about. Do I try to live in the present moment, to see the wider picture, to refrain from harmful judgement?
Prayer
Lord, please heal my inner perspective that I may act in accordance with your will for the good of all. Give me the generosity to reach out to others in need. Amen.