Scripture:
Isaiah 22:19-23
Romans 11:33-36
Matthew 16:13-20
Reflection:
Light for Sight
And Jesus said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven." Micah 16:17 Jesus reminds all of us along with Peter that we will never really see and understand Jesus unless the Father reveals Him. Faith is our eye by which we perceive Him. Faith is a gift we undeservedly receive that enables us to see and grasp Christ. We need light for sight. We need the light of revelation for the sight of Christ! The closest friends of Christ like the apostles could not on their own see Jesus after his resurrection unless He revealed himself to them.
The word for reveal in original Greek is apŏkaluptō. It means to uncover, lay open what has been veiled or covered up. "Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways!" Romans 11:33 "And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him." Luke 24:31 The word for recognized in the inspired Greek is epiginōskō i.e., to become thoroughly acquainted with, to know thoroughly.
We desperately need the Spirit to open our hearts and minds to the dazzling light of Christ. While reason is a wonderful gift of God, it alone will never bring us into a life of faith. Faith is never against reason, but it is far beyond reason. The practical result of this is that we must get on our knees and like the apostles of old and ask: "Add to our faith" Luke 17:5
In today’s world humility is not the most practiced virtue. We are blessed with much more scientific knowledge now. It is very impressive and very helpful. We thank God for all our scientists who have made our life so much more wonderful. But perhaps we are a bit more arrogant when it comes to religion. I am afraid we have a tendency to say if I don’t see it, it is not true. Or, I will do it my way. We must humble ourselves as we try to approach God. We will never come into His friendship unless we have light for sight. We must plead with Him that with open arms He says: "Come to Me"
Fr. Bob Weiss, C.P. preaches Parish Missions and is a member of the Passionist Community in Louisville, Kentucky.