The Blind Can See

A blind man named Bartimaeus shouted : ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy upon me!’. Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him.’ … The blind man said ‘Rabbi, I want to see.’ ‘Go,’ said Jesus, ‘your faith has healed you.’ Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. Mark 10: 46, 47, 52

There was a local king named Tudvael under whom Ninian cared for his flock, who was as cruel as he was ungodly. One day he expelled Ninian, who was a threat, from his territories. At once God’s judgement came upon him in the form of sudden blindness.

The king repented and sent his servant to Ninian to ask him to suggest some penances. The servant flung himself at Ninian’s feet with loud lamentations and begged: “Dispel the black night, you who are the glory and chief part of our fame. The offence is great, but one that is open to pardon.”

Ninian told him to tell the king his sins were forgiven, `and he sent the king gifts to express his friendship. Later he himself arrived to lay healing hands upon the king’s face. Tudvael’s eyesight was restored, he gave praise to God, and from that time onwards he supported Ninian’s ministry.

Lord of my heart
give me vision to inspire me
that, working or resting,
I may always think of you.
Lord of my heart
give me light to guide me
that, at home or abroad
I may always walk in your way.
Lord of my heart
give me wisdom to direct me
that, thinking or acting,
I may always discern right from wrong.
Heart of my own heart
whatever befall me
rule over my thoughts and feelings
my words and actions.
Ancient Irish