Mark 8:22-26
22They came to Bethsaida. Some people brought a blind man to him and begged him to touch him.
23He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village; and when he had put saliva on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Can you see anything?”
24And the man looked up and said, “I can see people, but they look like
trees, walking.”
25Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he looked intently and his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.
26Then he sent him away to his home, saying, “Do not even go into the
village.”

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When I was in college, meeting with other students who had plans to go on to seminary, there was some expectation that I had some “call story” all worked out. But I didn’t have anything worked out. I had a wonderful upbringing in a caring Christian community. I had an opportunity to use some of my leadership skills to help organize some campus ministry. I had some mentors in faith back home and at college. I could say that I was on the right path for now but I wasn’t sure where it was leading.

Nowadays the presbytery has an inquiry phase where someone can explore the possibility of being a teaching elder. In a much more hurried process, I had to name my reasons for pursuing the path toward ordination. By God’s grace, someone pointed me to this healing story in Mark which is like no other healing. A blind man experienced the “hands-on” power of Jesus and yet needed a second touch to regain all of his sight. Mark places this account in the midst of stories of disciples who “get it” and miss it all at the same time. I didn’t have to have it all figured out. And I could ask Jesus for further guidance.

Years and years into my life as a teaching elder I am still in the company of that blind man and Jesus’ disciples. There are things I see with a faithful and glad heart and there are things that I don’t see and don’t understand. And the communities of faith in which I have served and have been nurtured also have their moments of clarity and their continuing need to be healed.

Jesus touches our eyes, alone and together. And he will touch them again.

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Lord, we thank you for what we can see and for new life already working in us. Lay your hands upon us again so that we see you more clearly and see the world into which you send us with your good news.

Stephen Kolderup