Have you heard the story?
“They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and let him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, ‘do you see anything?’
“He looked up and said, ‘I see people; they look like trees walking around.’ Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.” (Mark 8:22-25)
This story is about a man who was actually blind, but we can compare this story to the many that are spiritually blind in our world today. Especially those who see abortion as a good thing. Like how Jesus performed miracles in the Bible, Jesus heals the blind of spirit today.
Helping the Blind to See
Many times, we find it difficult to understand those who are for abortion. Their arguments almost always sound outrageous, but how can we expect anything different if they are blind?
- Can a blind man begin to see what you see if you simply describe it to him? No. He is still blind.
- The same way, if you speak as loud as you can to a man who is deaf, can you expect him to hear? No. He is still deaf.
The man in the story could not see anything until Jesus arrived at the scene. Only then could the man see clearly.
Those who are pro-abortion are like this man. They also need Jesus to heal them by removing the veil that blinds them from truth. However, the blind man cannot find Jesus on his own. In the story, it says that people brought the blind man to Jesus and begged Him to touch him. Jesus heals the blind when the blind are brought to Him.
As Christians, we are responsible to bring the blind to Jesus and also intercede on behalf of them. The blind man cannot find what he needs when he cannot see. Which is why, as you pray, see the women, the men, the abortionists, and the nurses as people who are blind and need someone to plead with Jesus for their vision.
Notably, Jesus led the blind man outside the village. He did not do it in the village where all could see. We can apply this to being pro-life. As we reach others, it should not be by exposing them openly and ridiculing them, but rather taking them to the side when the opportunity presents itself. It is in these moments of one-on-one that we can help someone begin to see.
Be sure during these 40 days that you are being like Jesus. Thank you for being faithful in your hour of prayer. May God bless you and be with you. Amen.
Devotional for Day 9
Intention: May we grow in joy, knowing we serve a living God.
Scripture: “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name JESUS”… “For with God nothing will be impossible.” ~ Luke 1:31, 37
Reflection: The eternal Son of God began existing as a human being not at His birth at Bethlehem, but within the womb of his mother Mary. God was once an unborn child. Every unborn child, therefore, is in some fashion united with God. Imagine if everyone who claims to be a Christian truly believed this? The abortion industry would shut down overnight! The Annunciation also indicates Mary’s free choice, and her CHOICE served the Truth; served Life.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, today we thank you for the free choice of the Virgin Mary, that she believed in YOU enough, trusted YOU enough, loved YOU enough, to give YOU her “fiat.” We pray in a special way for those young women who are contemplating scheduling an abortion in El Paso and Santa Teresa. We pray that the lights of love and truth might be switched on, that these women might realize that the life within their womb is a precious gift, and that they are not alone. We pray for the local abortionists, that their hearts be opened to truth, love, and mercy. May Almighty God, who is rich in mercy, hear and answer our prayer. Amen.
