Close your eyes, breathe, and clear your mind. Be still. Center your scattered senses on God’s presence.
REFLECTION: Written by Ruth Grendell
One of my mother’s many favorite psalms was Psalm 139. She reminded me many times that we are created as unique individuals. There is none exactly like each one of us. I remembered her words as we were caring for young women in a clinic in a rural village in India. As the day progressed, we noted an elderly woman standing outside alone and watching the young women as they left the clinic. She looked at each one, but no one approached her. We learned that she wanted to see the American nurses who were helping the women in her village. I wanted to speak with her, but our different languages prohibited any communication. She looked so frail, that I wanted to hold her in my arms, but I knew she would back away. So just our smiles would have to suffice. Later, I talked with the hospital personnel who were aware of this village problem, but they noted that ancient traditions that included the label as “unclean” are difficult to change. They hoped the continued presence of the Christian health care contacts would help. As I reflected upon this experience, I remembered that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Leprosy had robbed her of her feet and hands—but not of her mind and spirit. I wished I could learn more about her life. I wondered how long it had been since anyone in her family had hugged her. Then, I realized that she had received her Christmas gift. Her wish had been granted. She had wanted to see that the young women in her village were receiving the care they needed. I have mourned for her knowing that long term medication therapy can alleviate the bacterial disease. However, I know nothing was available for her. My Christmas gift was when I wondered what more I could learn from this experience. What more could I do to provide body, mind, spiritual care? Then, I thought of an old familiar hymn, Open My Eyes That I May See that directed my thoughts and informed me what to do (listen below).
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 139:13-14
For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb, I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.
Pause and meditate on the Scripture.
PRAYER: Written by Richard John Neuhaus (1936-2009), a Christian cleric and writer.
Correct our eyesight, we pray you Lord, with the gift of faith that, as we see you in the baby of Bethlehem, so may we see and hear you in those who speak your word and so may we serve you by serving those in whose distress you are disguised. As at Christmas you came among us to love the unlovable, so teach us to love with the love by which we are loved by you. Amen.
Click on the link to see and hear the music video.
MUSIC VIDEO: Clara H. Scott: Open My Eyes, That I May See (submitted by Ruth Grendell)
IMAGE: El Greco: Christ Healing the Blind
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