Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of the 4th Week of Epiphany: Year 1
Morning, Psalm 72; Evening, Psalm 119:73to96;
Isaiah 54:1to10; Galatians 4:21to31; Mark 8:11to26
“Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he looked intently and his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.” (Mark 8:25 NRSV)
English is a tricky language if not carefully handled. In verse 25 of Mark 8 in the NRSV there could be some uncertainty about the pronoun “he” when “he” looked intently. Did the man receiving his sight look intently, or was it Jesus looking intently (at the man)? This is the step by step process of gaining sight, (and insight).
As we study scripture we need more than one translation. We need to compare the different writings of who is doing or saying something. It is important. I referred to other translations on this passage and found clarity. In the King James Version I found, “After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.” (Mark 8:25 King James Version) In addition to making him look up, the him, in italics, makes it clear that Jesus is the one doing the looking intently. Spanish and Greek versions also make it obvious that it was Jesus who was looking intently.
Jesus does not always heal in one setting. Sometimes it is a two or more shot fix like some of our vaccinations today for the COVID virus. For us to see life more clearly we have to do the step by step method of clarity. Have more than one translation of the Bible. Compare and contrast any questionable understanding you might struggle with. Our Lord Jesus will look intently upon you and you will have understanding.
And like the man whose sight was restored, once you can see clearly, don’t go back into the darkness, stay in the light.
Please keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for Ukraine.
As we listen to what the Spirit is saying to us, let us live to love and serve, and to teach others to love and serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
onewhoponders 