Blindness and Bread

The Lord’s signs are not given for amusement, but so that a people may remember, fear, and obey. Egypt saw plague after plague, yet Pharaoh’s heart remained shut until distress forced words of confession into his mouth. But a cry made only to escape punishment is not yet repentance. He could say, “I have sinned,” and still return to his stubbornness. Many do the same when trouble presses them: they ask for relief, then go back unchanged.

In the Gospel, the danger is nearer still, for it is possible to stand beside Christ and yet remain dull of heart. The disciples had seen bread multiplied, yet they were anxious over loaves. So the Lord rebuked them: “Having eyes, see ye not? And having ears, hear ye not?” The blind man healed in stages shows our condition well. We do not always come to clear sight at once. The Lord is patient, but He does not leave a man half-healed. “And he placed his hand 30 again on his eyes; and they were restored, and he saw everything clearly.”

Therefore let us not be like Pharaoh, softened only by pain and hardened again by ease. Let us be like those who stay with Christ in the wilderness, enduring hunger rather than leaving His company. He who had compassion on the multitude still feeds those who follow Him; but He also asks for remembrance, understanding, and a heart made obedient. Tell His works to your children. Keep His commandments when the plague has passed and when the baskets are full. Clear sight is given to those who continue with Him.