Blind man at Behsaida

Okay, I know it has been a while since I have posted. My failings are not unknown to me... as Jackson Browne put it, "Don't confront me with my failures, I have not forgotten them." I am currently working on a paper-ish sort of thing, forcing myself to do quite a bit of research and thought on the subject I am currently titling: The Action of Faith. So in due time, I expect to publish what I write here on this blog.

I noted something in my studies that I wished to share, and please pardon the convolutedness...by now I'm sure you know that it happens.

In Mark 8, Christ heals a blind man in Bethsaida. Now, understanding that Christ had healed many people, by His word, and by their faith, and knowing that he had also healed the blind without a hitch, I noted it as odd, or peculiar, that in this instance it required to efforts by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Then it struck me... as I read my dictionary word of the day: Fructuous.

When Christ asked the man if he saw anything the first time he spat on his eyes, the man replied "I see people; they look like trees walking around."
This is the point I wish to emphasize. We can all be seen as trees, and we are called upon by the Lord to be fructious. we are as trees and every tree that does not bear fruit will be cut down... insert convolutedness (we are a part of the vine... connectivity between scriptures, the withering fig tree (maybe)..)

So.. I just wanted to share, as I felt this to be an important point. Please do not confuse our fructuousness with salvation. Christ died once for all sin, but it is those things that we are called to do, to serve the Lord, the fruits of our labor which are pleasing to him: spread the word of Christ, pray, partake in the breaking of bread, be charitous, and do all these things not of a whim, or in passing, but consciously and with planning, and consistently.

May He rain his rich graces upon you in the days ahead, and may your hearts be filled with the joy of salvation, even the fullness of joy that Christ spoke of of.
Amen.