I arise today

Jesus, "the Light which enlightens everyone" (John 1:9), in today's gospel passage (John 9:1-41), heals a man blind from birth, so that he may see light, and may see the Light. Indeed, Jesus says to him, "You have seen him (the Son of Man), and the one speaking with you is he", to which the man responds, "Lord, I believe." This miracle, as every miracle, is intended to be an encounter.
 
The joy of this man was surely immeasurable. He rose that day. In his heart he perhaps sung something like this song (excerpt from an ancient Celtic prayer often attributed to Saint Patrick +461):
 
I arise today
through the strength of heaven,
light of sun
radiance of moon
splendour of fire
speed of lightning
swiftness of wind
depth of sea
stability of earth
firmness of rock.
I arise today.
 
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise...
 
Yours in Christ,
​
Fr. Dominique
Priest-in-Charge