In some way, we are all the blind men seeking sight in today’s Gospel reading. Maybe we have lost a job and with it, our family’s livelihood; perhaps we feel a deep calling to parenthood, but live with the devastation of infertility; maybe we live with the pain of a broken relationship. Whatever our blindness, we long for God’s healingwe ache for wholeness.

I see myself in the two blind men as they approach Jesus. But Jesus’ question, “Do you believe that I can do this?” stops me in my tracks. I wish for Jesus to heal my blindness, but I am skeptical, believing this gift will only come if I am good enough or work hard enough. Who am I to be healed?

In this time of quiet, Advent waiting, what does it feel like to sit with the tender invitation to believe that our God can do this?

—Megan Kennedy-Farrell  is on the staff of Charis Ministries in Chicago. She lives in Evanston with her husband and two children.