RUTTER: Prepare us to see

Ollie is sitting up at her favorite spot on the grassy hill overlooking the pond and out onto the road beyond.

From there, she’s checking out the cars and trucks passing by, anyone coming up the driveway, and of course, the squirrels, bunnies and birds that dare to make it near her.

A terrier-mix, she’s focused on what’s happening in her perimeter and scouts it day and night to ensure everything meets her requirements.

Her chi, if dogs have one, is somewhat disturbed right now as David and Jake climb up and down the ladder to the roof.

Ollie is intent on watching them clean the chimney and is prepped to jump in and help if she gets the chance.

Oh, if only we were as vigilant and prepared to respond to Christ as Ollie is to her environs and people!

Acceptance, forgiveness, faithfulness to the law, one in strength, love, humility and mercy — these are the virtues Jesus called us to this week in the Gospel readings.

From his rejection in Nazareth to healing the blind beggar, Jesus teaches us the tenets of our faith. And he shows us where we falter.

Observant in the quiet moments in the Temple and the chaotic scenes on the street, Jesus sees beyond the masks of the people into the hidden recesses of their hearts.

There, he calls out the scoffers and the proud; counsels the pure of heart and heals the sick.

“Go wash in the pool of Siloam,” Jesus simply tells the blind man after covering his eyes with clay mixed with his own spittle (John 9:7). And the blind man, having nothing to lose — having a hope that makes no sense to the sighted — complies and is healed.

Imagine his first look ever: the colors, faces, streets and structures! The marvel of going to the man, the prophet who healed you and seeing the hands that touched you and brought light into your life!

“’I do believe, Lord,’ and he worshipped,” we are told (John 9:38).

This Lent, what will it take for us to believe, to blindly follow where Jesus calls us?

When will we listen for his call, waiting to say, “Here I am, Lord, ready to do your will.”

May we see his light shine ever so brightly.

And so I pray: Dear Lord, thank you for giving us this wonderful community of believers to walk with. Help us be vigilant of those around us — surely, we can be more so than Ollie — focused on serving those in need and keeping to your law of love.

Give us the openness to accept, grace to forgive, humility to lift up others and to abound in the mercy we also need.

Keep us on your path to holiness.

Jane Rutter is a member of Sacred Heart Parish in Columbia.