March 2, 2025
Revised Common Lectionary
Exodus 34:29-35
Psalm 99
2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2
Luke 9:28-36 (37-43)
Lectionary for Mass (RC)
Sirach 27:4-7
Psalm 92:2-3, 13-14, 15-16 (see 2a)
1 Corinthians 15:54-58
Luke 6:39-45
Most churches following the Revised Common Lectionary are today observing the Transfiguration of the Lord. For a Word and Song reflection based on the Scripture readings for Transfiguration Sunday, Year C, click here.
The following reflection is based on the Scripture readings for the Eighth Sunday after the Epiphany (RCL) and the Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (RC).
Over the past few years, I have had to come to terms with a visual disability known as retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Without realizing it, I have gradually been losing my peripheral vision and my ability to see in the dark. My doctor explained that I quite literally had tunnel vision, as though I were viewing the world through two straws.
This condition affects many daily activities—simple things, like trying to find my phone after dropping it or noticing the person trying to get past me in the grocery store. But the hardest adjustment was giving up driving. At first, I stopped driving at night; eventually, I had to stop altogether and sell my car.
These past few years have taught me a great deal. I’ve come to understand that few of us have either perfect sight or complete blindness. Like so many human abilities, vision exists on a spectrum. I can still see a great deal, but at the same time, I experience a measure of blindness.
Because of this, I hear Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel in a whole new way. In this passage, he uses two metaphors about vision to teach the disciples about leadership and life together.
It seems obvious that we can’t lead others if we can’t see the way. So Jesus warns against becoming blind guides of the blind, asking, “Will not both fall into a pit?” (Luke 6:39). Leadership requires vision—more than just physical sight. Good leaders can see the goal ahead, the obstacles in the way, and the path forward.
Of course, sometimes we don’t even realize what we’re not seeing. Those of us with RP know this well. Our field of vision isn’t broad enough to take in the full picture. People who experience blindness often rely on the memory of familiar paths, non-visual cues, and—perhaps most importantly—the guidance of others. Wise leaders do the same. They recognize their own limitations and rely not only on their own experience but also on the wisdom and stories of others.
Jesus also warns against hypocrisy. The religious leaders of his time were quick to point out the faults of others while ignoring their own failings. Jesus urges us to take an honest look at ourselves before critiquing others: “First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor’s eye” (Luke 6:42).
In coming to terms with my own visual limitations, I’ve learned the importance of acknowledging and addressing them. Ignoring them could cause harm not only to me but also to those around me. Likewise, during the Lenten season, which begins this week, we are invited to examine the limits of our own spiritual vision. What are the blind spots that keep us from fully following Jesus? What are the logs that distort our perception of ourselves and others?
This Lent, let us ask God to open the eyes of our hearts so that we may clearly see Christ’s call—to bear fruit through words and deeds that proclaim justice, seek peace, extend compassion, and bring reconciliation.
A Hymn for Today: “Be thou my vision”
The Irish text on which this hymn is based dates to the eighth century. It was translated into English prose by Mary E. Byrne in 1905 and versified by Eleanor H. Hull in 1912. Since it was paired with the Irish folk tune SLANE in 1919, it has become one of the most beloved hymns in the English language. Since the late 1940s, it has widely appeared in the hymnals of various Christian churches and has inspired performances by contemporary Christian artists.
For a deeper look at the rich Celtic imagery of this text and at its history, check out this “History of Hymns” article by C. Michael Hawn, FHS. Listen here to this hymn being sung by the congregation of First-Plymouth United Church of Christ in Lincoln, Nebraska, with Tom Trenney at the organ.
Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that thou art—
Thou my best thought, by day or by night;
Waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.
Be thou my wisdom, and thou my true word;
I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord.
Thou my great Father; thine own may I be,
Thou in me dwelling and I one with thee.
Riches I heed not, nor vain, empty praise;
Thou mine inheritance, now and always;
Thou and thou only first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my treasure thou art.
High King of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heav’n’s sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.
Text: Irish hymn, 8th cent.; tr. Mary E. Byrne, 1880-1931; versification by Eleanor H. Hull, 1860-1935
Tune: SLANE
Image Credit: Colorful Vision, Adam Mineo, Creative Commons
“Word and Song: A Lectionary Reflection” is written by the Executive Director of The Hymn Society, Rev. Dr. Mike McMahon. For his full bio, click here and scroll down to the “staff” section.
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