In the Gospel today, Jesus gives sight back to two blind people. Jesus does not undercut or bypass our humanity, but restores us to our full humanity so that we can use it for our own good and the good of others.
Paul reminds us that our citizenship is ultimately in heaven. Keeping this in mind moves us beyond optimism or pessimism and into a mindset of hope— that Jesus has already conquered death and whatever is happening here and now, in the end, Jesus triumphs over all.
Does God really respond to our prayer? Jesus promised us that "if we knock the door will be opened." Our head might believe this, but our hearts sometimes doubt, and that gets in the way of prayer. Trust.
Jesus taught his disciples the "Our Father" when they wanted to know how to pray. This is a prayer that does not supplant our own voice, but guides it into looking for the right things from God. Find your own voice in prayer. Ask for what you truly want and need.
Jesus issued a prophetic challenge the cities of his day that they might hear him and repent. God's sends us prophets as well. Do we have the faith and courage to listen?
