A month ago (yes, mid-October!), the Hallmark Channel began its “Countdown to Christmas” with a series of Christmas-themed movies. As cheesy and predictable as they tend to be, I must confess that I have watched most of them!

The main character is usually a workaholic, who is caught in the trap of “climbing the corporate ladder.” But, at some point in the movie, his or her “eyes” are opened to a different set of values, a better, more balanced, more joy-filled way of life. Some characters readily accept this revelation, but others are a bit more “hard-headed,” taking a bit longer to come around.

Today’s gospel reading from Luke tells the story of the blind man who asks Jesus for sight. Jesus gave the man the ability to see, after which the man “followed [Jesus], giving glory to God.” This man was ready and willing to accept this major change in his life!

When the Lord opens our eyes to our behaviors that are destructive to ourselves and others, our prejudices toward certain persons or groups of persons, or our self-righteous attitudes, do we “give glory to God” for the ability to see more clearly? Or do we prefer to “blind” ourselves to these realities, ignoring them since they are too painful to admit?

Am I willing to accept what God reveals to me, even when it is hard to take?

Jesus, heal us of all that blinds us from your truth. Amen.