Words Speak For Themselves (Richmond Hill Part 3)

The garden at Richmond Hill

Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.

These were the words that drew all of my attention during the reading; specifically, he touched their eyes.

It was just a few months ago that I had eye surgery for a detached retina. (Remember? Details here.) The medical procedure went well; the recovery period was "eye-opening" for me.

Pun intended.

I had no intentions of reflecting on my eye surgery, subequent recovery and the spiritual implications during this retreat. But there it was.

He touched their eyes.

Before the miracle of modern technology, and without the miracle touch of Jesus, a detached retina led to blindness. Fortunately, times have changed. After my diagnosis, action was swift. Surgery happened right away, and my sight was restored.

Immediately they received their sight.

The retreat facilitator read the words, over and over. They covered us. Those last two phrases resonated.

She spoke again.

"I'll read the passage again. This time, listen for what God wants to say to you."

It's fascinating, really; we spend time unpacking scripture, studying Greek and Hebrew, researching words and phrases, looking for meaning. Those things are valuable, necessary, important.

But sometimes, the words speak for themselves. And we listen, and God has something to say. And here is what I heard:

You didn't even know you were blind.

I am blogging about my time at Richmond Hill. Tune in tomorrow....