September 10, 2021 Friday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time-B

1 Timothy 1:1-2, 12-14

Psalm 16

Luke 6:39-42

I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor… 1 Tim. 1:13

“…you do not notice the wooden beam in your own eye?” Lk. 6:42

Lord, there are many people who endure physical blindness that cannot be healed. I pray for them. There are many more that are spiritually blind. Thanks be to God that kind of blindness can always be healed.   Paul admits to being blind to your gospel message to the point of persecuting those who did believe.  You healed his blindness and he became a powerful prophet and apostle for you. Lord, I am grateful for your teaching me to see with the eyes of faith. At times, I have been blind to my own sins but have 20-20 vision when it comes to other people’s sins. My prideful ways have become like a beam or a cataract in my eyes which keep me from seeing your grace at work in me.  But, like St. Paul, I have been mercifully treated. You have forgiven my sins and have showered me with the grace to learn from them and live the life for which you made me. When I am fully trained I hope to be more like you, my teacher. Thank you, dear Jesus, for being patient with my blindness. Thank you for the abundant grace that is right now strengthening my eyesight.  Amen.