We are approaching a high point in Mark’s gospel. It is preceded by today’s strategically placed story (Mark 8:22-26). At first glance it looks like a simple healing story of a blind man but, as in most of Mark’s miracles, there is a deeper theological meaning tucked inside.
People bring a blind man to Jesus so that Jesus could apply his healing touch (how much of our touching is healing or are we afraid of physical touch?). Jesus takes the man aside, away from the crowds. He puts spittle on the man’s eyes and asks, “Can you see anything?” The man, who is beginning now to see, but only vaguely, says he can see people, but they are like trees that are walking about. Jesus again lays his hands on the man’s eyes and now the man can see clearly: “He could see everything plainly and distinctly.” Jesus tells him to go directly home, but not through the village. He wants no misplaced sensationalism about who he is. The truth of that will be revealed very soon.
The story is clearly linked with other events that have just been taking place. We have seen the blindness of the Pharisees, unable to recognize the power of God in the words and works of Jesus. We can see the blindness of his own disciples when he asks them in the boat: “Can you not see? Can you not hear? Do you not understand?”
This story, coming where it is, is itself a parable about the gradual opening of the disciples’ eyes, as it begins to dawn on them just who Jesus is. We will see in tomorrow’s gospel a giant step in their seeing and understanding, while at the same time being aware that they still have a long way to go.
Our own growing understanding of Jesus is also a gradual process, one that never ends. Many of us seem to settle into a complacent level of understanding beyond which we never go. As a result, our spiritual growth is blocked, and also our ability to have a growing faith that enriches our lives. Are we willing to let Jesus touch our eyes, not once, not twice, but until we can clearly see his message?
May God Bless You and Grant You His Peace!