From the Gospel acclamation: "May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts, that we may know what is the hope that belongs to his call."

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (8:22-26, today's readings)

Putting spittle on his eyes he laid his hands on the man and asked, “Do you see anything?” Looking up the man replied, “I see people looking like trees and walking.” Then he laid hands on the man’s eyes a second time and he saw clearly; his sight was restored and he could see everything distinctly.

Today's Gospel acclamation points to what Mark tells us about Jesus as he restores sight to the blind man. The eyes of our hearts need enlightenment in order to see the hope that Jesus is as he stands before us. When Jesus first lays hands on the blind man, anointing him with spittle, he sees indistinctly with distorted vision. When Jesus lays hands on him a second time, his sight is restored perfectly. The interaction between Jesus and the blind man demonstrates the need for relationship with Jesus, to hear and respond to him as he teaches us to see distinctly with the eyes of our hearts.

God, just as the blind man's vision was clouded and obscured, so is mine in many ways. You alone, Lord, are the just judge who knows the truth of my dependence on you to see you and this present reality with eyes made to behold what is true and good and beautiful. Through your grace, do the continual work necessary to restore my sight as I respond to the love you give in your word and in the sacraments of your Church on earth. You know me and you probe me. In the psalms, what do I have to offer if not gratitude for all your good gifts? "To you, Lord, I will offer a sacrifice of praise."

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.