On the sixth Sunday of Pascha, Fr. Matthew Howell talks about the final play of Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young's career in which he was sacked and knocked out cold by a player coming from his "blind side." Fr. Matthew then connects this to today's gospel reading about Jesus healing the blind man (John 9:1-38) and explains how we need "spiritual blockers" (or linemen) to keep us from getting run over by an opponent coming from our "blind side, " using the Prayer Before the Reading of the Gospel (posted below) to show us the path to illumination and out of blindness. These "spiritual blockers" are: 1) reading Scripture; 2) following God's commandments; and 3) engaging in ascetic practices.
The text of the prayer before the Gospel can be said at home by anyone before reading the Holy Scriptures.
Prayer Before Reading Holy Scripture
Illumine our hearts, O Master Who lovest mankind, with the pure light of Thy divine knowledge. Open the eyes of our mind to the understanding of Thy gospel teachings. Implant also in us the fear of Thy blessed commandments, that trampling down all carnal desires, we may enter upon a spiritual manner of living, both thinking and doing such things as are well-pleasing unto Thee. For Thou art the illumination of our souls and bodies, O Christ our God, and unto Thee we ascribe glory, together with Thy Father, Who is from everlasting, and Thine all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
