In these days when we reflect on the holy souls who have gone before us there is always the question of personal holiness. How did they become holy, how do we become holy, that is, how do we become a saint? As Knights of Columbus we profess a creed that articulates our theology, how can we live our creed in simplicity and sincerity?

   A recent Gospel lesson strikes to the heart of the matter. A blind man rushed to the feet of Jesus and pleaded, "Master, that I may see!" Word must have preceded the arrival of Jesus and the abject man approached with great hope. What others took for granted was so precious to this man without sight.

Although there are many lessons in that particular reading one invites us to this reflection. What are the many gifts of creation that we take for granted? Whether our senses which are so precious or our talents which are part of our daily experience, whether our circumstances or the people in our lives, what is there in life that we need to see with new eyes? Our response is the simple test of holiness.

   This time of thanksgiving for all the souls who have touched our lives is a perfect catalyst for us to think about our family, friends, freedom, opportunity, education and, especially, faith and God's grace in our lives. Turn on the television and see the war-torn countries of the world. Read a news item that identifies the homeless and the destitute whether in this country or in another area of the world. Visit a hospital ward for children and realize once again how the crisis of a disease involves a child, a family and so many more. There are so many instances when and where we look but we hardly see because the sorrow does not touch us personally, Sharing the compassion of Christ will make us one with Him as we see our brothers and our sisters in need.

   Today, why not take the place of the blind beggar and ask the grace of Jesus, "Master, that I may see!" When we see the blessings in our own lives we will kneel with a depth of gratitude never felt before and acknowledge anew the gift that is ours. When we see other who suffer we will kneel once again and gaze at the cross of Christ. Each day we will meet Him on our journey of life and unite with Him as we see how blessed we are that our way has been touched by Jesus and ...we see!