We often talk about spiritual blindness—not always opening our eyes to our faith and all God has in store for us. Sometimes, Advent—which should be a time of preparation for the joys of Christmas—ends up adding to that blindness. Why? For many of us, its because the preparations for Christmas (shopping, social outings, extra activities, etc.) keep us so busy that we don’t take the time to reflect on that moment that changed the world forever—Christ’s birth.
In the following reflection, Applied Biblical Studies and Priests, Deacons, and Seminarians speaker John Beaulieu talks about how we can step out of the darkness and cling to the light—ultimately growing in our faith as a result.
Isaiah prophecies, “Out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see.” And what is it they find – joy in the Lord! God desires that each of us be taken out of gloom and experience joy.
Is THE Light MY Light?
In the Psalms, David declares, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” David personally knew of the Lord’s merciful love for him. He responded by making the Lord his light and salvation. This Advent we need to ask, “Is Jesus my light?” Have we personally made Jesus our Lord and Savior? Do we ask Christ’s light to flood the darkness of our hearts so that we can turn from our sin and follow Him more closely?
Out Of Darkness
Since the fall of man, sin has darkened the hearts of man. Today, we see people blinded by hatred, fear, and greed. Despair weighs heavy on the hearts of men as they seek to find peace and purpose in a world of darkness. But we can celebrate–for Jesus has come as the Light of the World and not only can He drive out darkness, He can open the eyes of the blind.
Do You Believe?
In the Gospels, two blind men follow Jesus seeking his pity. Jesus asks them, “Do you believe that I can do this?” They place their faith in Christ by saying, “Yes, Lord.” They can offer nothing to Jesus but their brokenness and trust. But that is more than enough. They received more than pity – they received healing from Christ. In the same way, we need to stop holding onto despair. Through faith in Christ, we can be free, our eyes can be opened, and the darkness in our own lives can be dispelled.
Come, open your eyes and grow in faith at the Steubenville Conferences this summer. Register today and take advantage of the Early Bird discount!