It is said that we human beings have five senses. They all collect information that is sent to the brain. Then this information is what allows us to perceive the world. Of all the senses that we human beings have, a survey was made on what we considered the most important: touch, sight, hearing, taste, or smell. 70% of the respondents said that sight is most important. 

This is very true. With sight:

• We can see our loved ones and the people around us
• We can see the beauty of the world
• We can read a book or watch a movie
• We can find our way when travelling
• We can be warned of danger
• We know if it is day or night, light or dark

Hence, you can just imagine, how difficult it is to be blind. In 2021, there were 39 million people in the world who were completely blind. 

That is why in the Gospel, Jesus healed the blind man even if it was the Sabbath, which is not allowed. 

While most of us can see, there is one blindness that is inflicting the world. That is none other than spiritual blindness. Those who suffer cannot see God in the world and their lives, they cannot see what is important and what is fleeting, they cannot see the people who are a great blessing and all the other blessings, they cannot see the people in need, and they certainly cannot see how the devil subtlety enters into their lives. 

That is why we pray that we may see spiritually. Three things we have to do. 

• First, it all starts in the heart. In mass readings, we are often told it all starts in the heart. We pray for a clean heart – no anger, no unforgiveness, no hatred. With this, we can see what is really essential in our life. Also, the eyes are useless if the heart is hardened. 
• Second, faithfulness in the vocation. We are told to be on the side of the light – standing up for what is right, true, and good. In other words, being sensitive to the plight of the people around us, especially those who have less in life. As the saying goes, “It is better to light just one candle than to curse the darkness”. 
• Third, trusting God’s mysterious ways. We have heard of Jesus healing a man who was blind since birth. Even if it was a sabbath, Jesus healed him. Indeed, we trust in Jesus’ mysterious yet perfect plan. 

That is why we pray for those who are bodily sick. May they never be hopeless. Also, we pray for ourselves. In all the events in the world, the country, and our own lives, may we see the hand of God.