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Tomaino Arm Care Network

Dr. Tomaino's Blog

I Was Blind, But Now I Can See

March 21st, 2015
Last Sunday at church the Gospel was about a miracle Jesus performed, whereby a blind man could see. The homily, given by Father Ring (St Louis in Pittsford), inspired me to think about the interpretations of the gospel message, figurative and literal. I found this commentary, among many.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary


9:24-34 As Christ's mercies are most valued by those who have felt the want of them, that have been blind, and now see; so the most powerful and lasting affections to Christ, arise from actual knowledge of him. In the work of grace in the soul, though we cannot tell when, and how, and by what steps the blessed change was wrought, yet we may take the comfort, if we can say, through grace, whereas I was blind, now I see.

I authored a blog in November 2010 entitled “Grace” and continue to marvel at it its value----it power to inform and impact perspective and interpretation. There is tremendous power when we set our intention each day-----to see with fresh eyes amidst challenging situations, painful ailments, and unknown bias and assumptions.


It is disheartening when one witnesses in themselves, or others, blindness of sorts-----not the inability to see at all, but the inability to see righteously and fairly. We may at times be blinded by close-mindedness, assumptions, bias, ego, expectation, and sadness---whatever.

A Growth mindset not only regards our potential for blindness---or any kind of personal failure, for that matter---as an inevitability, since we are humans, but also regards blindness as potentially temporary, as we can learn and grow when it occurs---and our vision clears and improves. However, this requires not only deliberate intent, but also honest self-assessment, and the willingness to be accountable for our part.
A Fixed mindset regards our being as set in stone, and places inordinate pressure to never fail.When we fail we may be overwhelmed by fear and shame, and others may leverage our our circumstance to their advantage. Some may regard our weaknesses or mistakes as a de facto indictment on our character.This Fixed mindset is no place to live, nor is it a perspective that allows for reconciliation in others.


Fortunately we can alter our mindset, and our visual acuity. This may come from mentoring or good fortune and circumstance, but more often than not, from bad fortune, thinking errors and bad judgement, for these events may be the stepping stones to growth and development.

Regardless, our progress in this life is continual. As opposed to hoping we have “turned out okay”, we never “stop turning”! So, if you are burdened by poor health, a somatic illness, depression, anxiety, poor self esteem, lack of hope, by being judged---or whatever----adopt a growth mindset. Be open to the “grace” of God and others around us, and keep moving forward. Keep becoming better, and then there is no limit.........We all may be blind at times, but by the Grace of God, we are also capable of seeing more clearly in the future.

*POST EDITED BY DR. TOMAINO.

*POST EDITED BY DR. TOMAINO.

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