With my eyes closed before morning prayer in our chapel, I easily name the people gathering without seeing them. From these past few months, I recognize the shuffle of one man approaching his chair and the labored breathing of another. Without sight, I name a man by his walk, his cough, his voice, his cane, and even how he opens his prayer book.

The blind man knew more than people suspected. He felt others within him. He knew them, not be sight, but by their humanity, their love, their fearlessness. The blind man knew Jesus in this way.

He knew Jesus enough to shout out, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!”

Jesus responded, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man responded, “Please, let me see!”

This holy encounter does not end with the restored sight of a blind man. This encounter continues in our blind hearts and lives. Jesus’ question is for every person.

With our eyes closed in prayer, may we see Jesus within us. May we know him by his gentle mercy upon our lives. May we be awakened to him by his approach to our closed minds, by his smell and his compassion walking to us. May we fully understand his desire to call us out of every blindness of body and soul.

So, what do you want Jesus to do for you this day?