Dear Folks,

Ahhhh… Football season is upon us, which leads to refrains of: “Are you blind Ref ?*@!?” Have you ever screamed this from the upper deck or in front of your TV? How could he miss that call that is right in front of him? The problem is that this usually amount to a complaint that we are not getting our way! We all have seen calls completely blown in sports, but I don’t think I have ever yelled at the TV when the blown call went in favor of MY team!

Temporary blindness can also be tragic with more serious consequences than a sporting event. A blind spot while driving can lead to a serious accident. Not seeing one key fact may change the entire meaning of events, or relationships that we hold most dear. Even more so, when we do not see the most serious matter for our eternal lives: sin. Sin is often described as darkness in the soul, so it makes sense that it would blind us. How can we see in the dark? We need light to see clearly. Paul says to the Ephesians: Brothers and Sisters: You were once in darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light…” This is much of the work of Lent, opening our eyes to the true light that illuminates the path to Heaven. Not only does Christ enable us to see, but then we in turn become the light to the world living in darkness.

I know that my guardian angel is much more patient when I fail to see my own sin. I don’t imagine him yelling at me, “Father, are you blind!” Instead he kindly intercedes for me, and obtains graces to open my eyes!

And Jesus, help the Redskins please.

Pax et Bonum (peace and all goodness),
Fr. Mosimann