Devotion
The dreams of the blind
David Jacobs
I enjoy studying psychology, and one day I pondered this question: can a blind person visualize things as they dream? I did quite a lot of research on the subject and found that it depends on when they became blind: the younger they lost their ability to see, the less likely the chance they would see images as they dreamed. Although it seems like such a shame, a person without the ability to use their eyes to see also has heightened senses and a totally different interpretation of the world than a person that can see. To say that one is objectively good or bad would be incorrect.
The Bible is full of references to 'eyes', of the Lord making the world 'visible' to his followers. On the other hand of course, many who do not follow are often 'blind' or 'blinded', often by sin or emotions. This passage is not to be taken literally, with an opening of the eyes a metaphor perhaps, for lifting the veil of ignorance. Physically blind people cannot help the fact that they cannot see; ignorant people that choose to live in sin can help it. The laws of the Lord are there to allow all of us to open our eyes to the ways of God. God's laws will open our eyes, his word is a lamp for our feet (Psalms 119:105). Choosing to be willfully ignorant is a choice to live in sin. Upon making such a choice, you will be truly blind, regardless of whether or not you have images in your dreams.
Prayer
Heavenly Lord, I pray for you to open my eyes to your divine Law. Show me the path towards light and truth, and allow me not to obscure this with my own will. Grant me wisdom to see further than my own feet, looking into the distance, towards your Heavenly Kingdom. Grant me the courage to follow you even when others do not, so that I may help lead the blind that thirst to see your face. I ask this in the name of Christ Almighty, Amen.
Devotion
Culpability
Frances Taylor
This is an interesting passage because, among other things, it talks about sin and who is considered guilty of sin. Paul is talking about how he has been forgiven, how God has been merciful to him because his actions were committed in unbelief. In order for sin to be committed, one needs to know he is committing it. No one can commit sin in retrospect. Sin is always a deliberate act. This can be hard for some to understand. Actions can be considered sinful, even though the person committing them may not be culpable. For example, lying is a sin. However, is the two year old hiding behind the curtains sinning when he or she claims not to have broken the vase? No, because the child has no understanding of the difference between truth and lie. Those who do not have a relationship with God, who do not know the commandments, who have never heard of Jesus, may commit sinful actions, but are not guilty of sin. This is what Paul claims is his situation. Paul ...
Morning Prayer
And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, ) full of grace and truth.
Inspiration
When the Lord sent his only Son, he sent also his word. For his body was this very word made flesh. Importantly this was not simply a manifestation of God's word, but also rather an 'animation' of it (meant here in the original Latin as 'animare' –'to instill with life or spirit'), an instance of God's love and divine grace in action, among us.
Prayer
Lord, I am grateful for your mercy in showing us your word made flesh so that we may be redeemed. Further, I am grateful to you for showing us your love and grace through your only begotten son. Let his body not have been torn and broken for no avail, but feed us now in the Eucharist. Let not his blood have...
