Daily Catholic Lectio
Fri, 6 December ‘24
First Week of Advent – Friday
Isaiah 29:17-24. Psalm 27. Matthew 9:27-31
Light to the Eyes
Two years ago, I listened to Mann Ki Baat, a program by our Honourable Prime Minister, Mr. Modi. It began with a phone conversation between the Prime Minister and a visually impaired person. The person expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying, “Thank you for providing us with restrooms designed with our needs in mind!” That moment made me reflect deeply on the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals. How difficult it must be to navigate a world designed for the sighted! If we close our eyes for just a moment and attempt to walk, we quickly stumble.
Today’s readings focus on a profound promise: the Messiah brings sight to the blind. Jesus reminds us in the Sermon on the Mount, “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light” (Mt 6:22). From the very beginning, God’s first act of creation was light (Gen 1:3). He saw that all He created was beautiful (Gen 1:31). Yet, ironically, humanity’s fall began with what was pleasing to the eye (Gen 3:6).
The Bible reveals God as El-Roi, the God who sees (Gen 16:13). Hagar rejoiced in knowing she had encountered the God who sees her. When Tobit regained his sight, he embraced his son, calling him the “light of my eyes” (Tobit 11:13). Simeon, holding the infant Jesus in the temple, joyfully exclaimed, “My eyes have seen your salvation…a light for revelation to the Gentiles” (Lk 2:30-32).
Isaiah foretold that the blind would see when the Messiah came (cf. 29:18), and Jesus fulfilled this promise in today’s Gospel, restoring sight to the blind. Interestingly, after healing them, Jesus said, “See that no one knows about it!” reminding us that seeing also means being vigilant and careful.
David, too, proclaims in Psalm 27: “The Lord is my light and my salvation.”
From the Word to Life
(a) Guarding our vision: Our eyes are the gateway to our mind and soul. Today, screens often dominate our attention, feeding us an unending stream of information. Let us pause, turn away from our devices, and focus on what truly matters. What we choose to see shapes our hearts and minds.
(b) Respecting dignity: Words matter. Let us avoid language that highlights others’ limitations. Instead, honour and uphold the dignity of visually impaired individuals. As we design spaces, let inclusivity and accessibility guide us, ensuring everyone feels welcomed and valued.
(c) Opening inner eyes: When we close our eyes in prayer, we open our hearts to God. Let us spend a few moments today in silent reflection, seeking to ‘see’ God dwelling within us and discerning His will in our lives.
As pilgrims of hope, let us celebrate the Lord as our light (Jubilee 2025, bite 266).
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi (@ Sower)
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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