St John Mary Vianney
Readings
Jeremiah 30:1-2,12-15,18-22
Matthew 15:1-2,10-14
Reflection
There is a humorous saying: “Cataracts are the third biggest cause of blindness. Religion and politics are the first two.” It sounds amusing, but it contains a serious truth. Even religion, which should open our eyes to God and to others, can blind us when it becomes mixed with pride, prejudice, power or self-interest.
A rabbi was concerned about a young friend who was becoming worldly and materialistic. He invited him into his study and led him to the window. “What do you see?” he asked.
There was a playground next to the house. “I see children playing,” the young man answered.
Then the rabbi took a small mirror from his pocket and held it before the young man’s face.
“What do you see now?” “I see myself,” he replied. The rabbi said, “Isn’t it strange? The window and the mirror are both made of glass. But when a little silver gets between you and others, you see only yourself.”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus warns that the Pharisees and the scribes have become “blind guides of the blind.” Their religion had become so focused on external rules and traditions that they were no longer able to recognise what God was truly asking of them; maybe it is true of us as well!
The problem is not always that we cannot see. Sometimes something has come between us and what God wants us to see; it could even be Religion. Religion is not merely about prayers, rules, customs or appearances. It is about what the Gospel is doing within us. Is the Gospel changing us? Is it helping us to see more clearly, love more deeply and respond more generously? The true “chemistry” of the Gospel turns bitterness into forgiveness, suffering into prayer, curses into blessings and selfishness into compassion.
Today, perhaps we can ask ourselves: What is blocking my vision? What is the “little silver” that makes me see only myself?
Let us ask Jesus to open our eyes, so that we may not become blind guides, but people who see others with compassion, see ourselves with honesty and see God at work in every moment of our lives.
Giltus Mathias CP, St Brigid’s Marrickville