Instead, I want to look at those moments in everyday life when we are "blinded by the light," that is, those moments when we see with such clarity as to actually grasp what it is we are (or are not) doing well. Being "blinded by the light" helps us to realize that, as humans, we are always in need of new sight and vision.
These moments of illumination can be radical, as it was for St. Paul.
Before his conversion to Christianity, St. Paul was a fanatic oppressor and persecutor of the early Church. However, on his way to Damascus, something profound happened -- Paul was knocked down to the ground; he was struck blind by the light. Three days later, Paul's sight was restored, both physically and spiritually. Paul was baptized and began to preach this same Christ whom he had once been persecuting. The rest of the story, as they say, is history.
Many of us probably won't experience such a dramatic episode as St. Paul did. However, we still need to be aware of those little moments in life which make us aware of our own blindness and call us to daily conversion. The light of the truth may come in common ways: through Scripture and prayer; in the tugging of our conscience; from the good example set by others; even in those moments when we are gently corrected; all serve as ways in which we can be "blinded by the light".
We can be restored to paths of righteousness and holiness if we remain open to the movement of God in our lives and allow ourselves to turn from darkness to true light. How will we respond in those moments when we are "blinded by the light"?
...Oh, and here is Manfred Mann performing "Blinded by the Light":
Before his conversion to Christianity, St. Paul was a fanatic oppressor and persecutor of the early Church. However, on his way to Damascus, something profound happened -- Paul was knocked down to the ground; he was struck blind by the light. Three days later, Paul's sight was restored, both physically and spiritually. Paul was baptized and began to preach this same Christ whom he had once been persecuting. The rest of the story, as they say, is history.
Many of us probably won't experience such a dramatic episode as St. Paul did. However, we still need to be aware of those little moments in life which make us aware of our own blindness and call us to daily conversion. The light of the truth may come in common ways: through Scripture and prayer; in the tugging of our conscience; from the good example set by others; even in those moments when we are gently corrected; all serve as ways in which we can be "blinded by the light".
We can be restored to paths of righteousness and holiness if we remain open to the movement of God in our lives and allow ourselves to turn from darkness to true light. How will we respond in those moments when we are "blinded by the light"?
...Oh, and here is Manfred Mann performing "Blinded by the Light":
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