“Rabbi, I want to see…” (Mark 10:51)

O “Risen One”, I see you rising every spring anew
Each season a rich sermon of the Hope that “springs eternal” (1)
The snowdrops bursting through the snow proclaim the empty tomb (Rom. 1)
To “bear much fruit”, I’ll live and die with You, a falling “kernal” (Jn. 12:24)

“Rabbi, I want to see…”

To see You, “Great Creator”, in the lightning, quake and fire
Yet knowing that Elijah heard You rather in the hush (1 Kgs 19:11)
In every soaring, splashing, creeping creature I admire (Gen. 1)
And mesa, forest, flashing peak, plateau, and jungle lush

“Rabbi, I want to see…”

To see You as “The Light” in every lantern, star, and sunrise (Jn. 8:12)
These guide and warm and banish brackish thoughts; unholy fears (Jn. 1:5)
Your children You call “light” to fight the creeping darkness likewise (Mt. 5:14)
Through mercy’s works that, to the hurting, makes Your Face appear

“Rabbi, I want to see…”

To see You in all faces, fair or plain, and in the “least” (Mt. 25:40)

Especially the suffering, oppressed, unborn, and poor

To find You in each victim crushed by war, abuse, disease

To seek You in my hidden room; adore You more and more

“Rabbi, I want to see…”

To see You, “Bridegroom of the Church”, when spouses love each other
Their faithful, free and fruitful love reflects its holy Source (Eph. 5:32)
Each marriage brings to mind Your vows to me, which none can smother
“…til death”, and yet beyond! To love You not: life’s sole remorse

“Rabbi, I want to see…”

To see You, “Father-Icon”, in all earthly dads and pastors (Jn. 14:9)
Their gentleness, encouragement, correction, and direction
Protection from the “father of lies” and sin’s untold disasters
You father us through Godly men! Their care is Your affection

“Rabbi, I want to see…”

To see You, “Healer”, as I pray for health in Jesus’ Name (Jn. 14:13)
Foreseeing heaven’s healing of all tears and bitter illness (Rev. 21:4)
Through doctors, nurses, therapists, Your healing touch we gain
Through Christians laying healing hands; through sacraments; through stillness

“Rabbi, I want to see…”

To see You “Jesus”, “God’s Salvation”, as my sin I fight (Mt. 1:21)
When on Your Holy Name I call, Your strength could not come quicker (Phil. 4:13)
And if I lose a skirmish, “absolution” sets me right
Allowing me to hear You say “forgiven” through your vicar

“Rabbi, I want to see…”

To see You, “Bread of Life”, upon the altar-table spread (Jn. 6; Ps. 23)
“Unbloody Sacrifice” and foretaste of the feast of heaven (Lk. 22:20)
Your Blood and Body offered under forms of wine and bread
Like potent “Lembas”, filling us with strength to be Your “leaven” (J.R.R. Tolkien, Lord of the Rings; Mt. 13:33)

*****

(1) Alexander Pope

⁴⁹ Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” ⁵⁰ Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. ⁵¹ “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” ⁵² “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

(Mark 10:49-52 NIV)