The Feast of St Claude La Colombière | Wednesday 15 February 2023

Today is Wednesday the 15th of February, the feast of St Claude La Colombière, in the 6th week of Ordinary time.


Salt of the Sound sings, ‘Unveil My Eyes’.


Unveil my eyes to see your face
That I might recognise your grace
And all these plans you have for me
Use them to set them free
Unveil my eyes to see your face
That I might recognise your grace
And all these plans you have for me
Use them to set them free
Unveil my eyes to see your face
That I might recognise your grace
And all these plans you have for me
Use them to set them free
Use them to set them free
Use them to set them free
Use them to set them free

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark.


Mark 8:22-26

They came to Bethsaida. Some people brought a blind man to him and begged him to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village; and when he had put saliva on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, ‘Can you see anything?’ And the man looked up and said, ‘I can see people, but they look like trees, walking.’ Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he looked intently and his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. Then he sent him away to his home, saying, ‘Do not even go into the village.’

Jesus is visiting one of the towns in Galilee – Bethsaida.

Whilst there, people bring to him a man who needs his healing touch.

When Jesus lays his hands on the man, he begins to be able to see, slowly at first, and not in focus, but in time he sees clearly. How do I imagine this moment? Perhaps I take a moment to imagine myself in the place of this man…

What would I like to bring to Jesus at this time?

I lift to Jesus this issue for his touch and attention.

I ask Him to help me see clearly and in perspective.

I sense his loving gaze upon me as I do this.

What do I say to Jesus now?

How does Jesus respond?

As I listen again, I notice how Jesus leads the man to a new place, restores him and encourages him onwards.

How is Jesus encouraging me onwards today?

In these last moments of prayer, I give thanks for the difference Jesus makes in my life.


Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.