The word of the priest’s connections.

We are always looking for a golden thread to grasp the world in which we live. We want and need to trust someone, but we especially need to see.

Philosopher and theologian Ladislav Hanus once said aptly that we should confess not only the sins we committed with thoughts, words, and deeds but also by misunderstanding the context. I understand him well. We can have the best ideas, but we harm ourselves with ideas if we use them at the wrong moment and in the wrong context.

Context is a very important context. This question is especially important in our time filled with hoaxes and misinformation. We already remember from Slovak lessons that the literary meaning of a text cannot be deciphered without knowing the circumstances when the text was written and cannot ignore the events that preceded it in the work. 

Context is essential to knowing who we are. Moral theology teaches that circumstances can turn even a small matter into a big problem, whether you steal five euros from a millionaire or a person receiving a living wage.

Today, we are witnessing how people distinguish themselves in various social topics. Exclusion largely depends on the context in which some information is provided. We perceive polarization, for example, in the evaluation of mandatory vaccination during the covid pandemic; in search of the culprit in the war beyond our eastern borders. We could go on.

Seeing the connections that Hanus talks about correctly is not only a question of intelligence but also of attributing (dis)credibility to specific sources. If we choose a dubious information source, we will likely be aware. No one wants to be lied to or live in error, yet we face a considerable risk of making the wrong choice or betting on the wrong horse.

The Gospels describe several cases where a blind man saw again under the influence of Jesus’ divine power. This is also the case with Bartimaeus, as Mark’s Gospel describes. This desperate man begs Jesus to restore his sight. Because he is persistent and has faith, Jesus will grant him.

“Many times we are so disoriented and disappointed that we end up either trusting no one or trusting everything.”

The problem of today’s man, who wanders for hours in the virtual world, lies in the illusion of self-assurance of knowledge. We know exactly how it is, how it should be, or what the problem is. 

We will not even admit that it could be otherwise or that we could be deceived. At the same time, we are often so disoriented and disappointed that we either don’t trust anyone or we trust everything.

However, neither is correct. When Jesus restored Bartimaeus’ sight, he discovered reality. He no longer had to dream and imagine the real world; he did not have to misunderstand him, as if he saw a slice of him. He saw him whole because his sight returned, and he saw the reality of life as it was. That saved him. 

Even if a blind person can live, it is much more difficult for him in practical matters. It is possible to function even with imperfect eyesight, but without glasses, we see things dimly and vaguely, and we can hurt ourselves and others.

Seeing reality means understanding connections, seeing things in context, or, as teachers say, reading with understanding. It can be learned, but only with one condition. If we find humility in ourselves, we will not be too self-confident and admit that we can be wrong even in serious matters and that someone could mislead or deceive us.

I understand that it is sometimes difficult to navigate this complicated world. So many have disappointed or deceived us. We are always looking for a golden thread to grasp the world in which we live. We want and need to trust someone, but especially, we need to see. Perhaps we should, like blind Bartimaeus, say to Jesus, “Let me see!” 

My physical sight is fine, Lord. But I am asking you for the gift of wisdom so I can honestly see myself and the world around me. And where I am still unclear, give me the courage to seek the truth, even if it takes time and may be difficult and painful. 

If I live in a lie and an illusion, if I let myself be deceived, I will not move anywhere and gain nothing, I can only harm myself. Let me see; grant me the ability to understand the connections even in complex social topics, express myself carefully, act wisely, and make the right decisions in every election. 

It’s not just about me; it’s just about my eternal salvation. I want to survive in this world so that I can contribute my life to building God’s kingdom. If I understand the connections and make wise decisions, it will be easier, and it will benefit the whole community.