The body is a marvelous work of divine wisdom, and the eye is set as a royal fortress, guiding and giving light to the whole. When such an instrument is seized by pain, when nausea churns and sight is troubled, the distress is not a small thing. Yet know that often God permits these torments not to crush us, but to make the soul more reverent, to elevate the mind and cast out the desires that so mischievously beset us. The thing becomes a cure, not by easing the flesh, but by giving wings to the thoughts and turning us from the love of this world to the beauty within.
Consider this: if that inner soul be not beautiful, what is the health of the eye? A fair mask over an ill-favored face makes no lasting impression. Labor then to acquaint yourself with what is within, and while you seek relief, seek first that the soul be cleansed. Even galling words bring healing when they pierce the heart; how much more may physical pain, endured with thanksgiving, become a remedy for the hidden sicknesses none can see? The eye that sleeps not sees all, and He who fashioned that small but necessary member knows its ache. Cry out to Him, but let your cry be joined to a searching of the heart, that no root of bitterness or envy darken what He would make whole. We speak what we know: His knowledge is exact, His love unerring, and no agony escapes His notice. Persevere in prayer, and trust that whether relief comes at once or tarries, the purpose is for your eternal profit.