Baby Steps
Wednesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Mark 8: 22-26 - When Jesus and his disciples arrived at Bethsaida, people brought to him a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. Putting spittle on his eyes he laid his hands on the man and asked, “Do you see anything?” Looking up the man replied, “I see people looking like trees and walking.” Then he laid hands on the man’s eyes a second time and he saw clearly; his sight was restored and he could see everything distinctly. Then he sent him home and said, “Do not even go into the village.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“Then he laid hands on the man’s eyes a second time and he saw clearly”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
What is the meaning of Jesus’ putting His hands on the blind man’s eyes a second time? Did Jesus’ miracle not work? There are many great lessons here. Here is one: The blind man of Bethsaida shows us something of the Apostles. Peter was from Bethsaida (as was Andrew his brother and possibly other Apostles). Directly before this in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus has just reprimanded the Apostles in the Gospel for not understanding the meaning of what He is doing, saying “do you have eyes and not see”. Then, entering Peter’s hometown, Jesus takes a blind man out of town to heal Him… and the man isn’t totally healed at once, but after a second touch from the Lord. Well, directly following this event in the Gospel of Mark, is the great event of Peter confessing to Christ, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”
Peter is a great example in Gospels of failing first and succeeding later. Peter is a great example for us. Peter was not perfect, but He was repentant. When the Lord corrected Peter’s mistakes, Peter didn’t get offended, he got better. And it was Peter (imperfect but willing) who the Lord chose to build His Church.
Together as a family pray a portion of the Rosary (i.e. – very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture above. (Optional – allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
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