7th Sunday of Matthew
Scripture: Matthew 9:27-35
We all have a particular worldview that helps us understand the world around us. The problem is that we aren’t always right, and when they start tearing ours apart, it can feel like a crisis or that we’re being attacked.
In this situation, it’s easy to dig in, assert ourselves, and continue arguing, especially if we’re on Facebook. Our pride refuses to let our ego tell us we’re wrong, so we continue asserting ourselves.
When we become stubborn like this, the reality is that we’re blind. And since we can’t see the truth, we’re also mute, not able to say a lick of truth.
Today, as Jesus approaches two blind men, they cry out for pity, and Jesus opens their eyes. And when a mute man is brought to him, he’s able to make him speak again. Christ is the truth, and he’s willing to do the same for us today.
Setting our pride aside and crying out for mercy, Jesus opens our eyes and shows us the world as it truly is. The Church Fathers call this theoria or contemplation, and it’s a vision of God.
Theoria is, in short, healing, and it’s so much better than holding on to a prideful attitude that causes us to wither away.
Being healed and having our eyes opened allows us to see Christ transfigured. It allows us to see creation not as a science experiment but as the wondrous work of God. And just as importantly, it allows us to speak the truth and proclaim the gospel with integrity.